TIPS ON SCRIPTWRITING: Every second counts. Write short sentences with one basic idea in each. Put the subject at the front of each sentence, using the formula: (subject) + (verb) + (object) + (...all other stuff). Sentences should be written in the positive, as opposed to the negative: Avoid using "not", "no", "don't", "doesn't", "won't", etc. Write in the present tense, whenever possible. Be sure to answer the "Five W's": Who, What, Where, Why, and When.
Start and end your story with a person, a personal story, an illustrative anecdote...something that the listener can understand and relate to immediately.
Remind your listeners of the subject of your story as you go along, and again near the end. If you are having a hard time coming up with a definitive general statement for the conclusion of your story, conclude by telling the listener what they can expect to happen next.
Words to avoid in radio writing, whenever possible:
-All forms of the verb to be (is, am, are, were, will be, have been, being, etc.)
-Get (use an action verb instead)
-Adverbs, those words that usually end in -LY.
-That and Which
-Cliches and overused phrases
TIPS ON SOUND GATHERING: Let your sources give the examples, and (if possible) draw the conclusions. The reporter should state the general fact/trend/phenomenon, then the source should illustrate with an example.
Take notes when you're recording, whenever possible. When someone says something you might use in your story, make a note of what they said and where it is on your tape.
Label your tapes/discs/files diligently, with date, name, and location.
Once you have chosen a clip you want to use, avoid editing it, especially if there is background sound that would be interrupted by your edits.
Whenever possible, primary sources should be used to tell a story. If you're reporting on a judicial nominee accused of torturing small animals, call him and ask if it's true! He's the only one who knows for sure. Don’t relying on pundits and bystanders to tell the story.
If you're having trouble locating opposing viewpoints for your story, ask your sources who their enemies are, and call them.
TIPS ON INTERVIEWING: Before you enter an interview location, press record on your machine and leave it running until after you leave. Even if you're in a quiet office, recording a minute or two of the sound of the location with nobody talking provides "room tone" that comes in handy when you're editing. You can't air coments recorded while a person thought the machine was off, but you will get the sounds of phones ringing, machines grinding, and people introducing themselves. If you don't turn your machine off right after the end of your questions, you won't miss the best part of the interview, which starts at the moment the person thinks it's over. Again, before you use pre- or post-interview tape, you must ask permission, but at least you'll have it, in case they say yes!
Don't be afraid to explain what you're going to do in the interview, before you start asking questions. However, don’t read all your questions to your guest before you begin!
Before you ask questions, have your sources identify themselves on the mic, with their full names and titles. One useful technique in a crowd is to ask for ID and info at the same time: "What's your name and title, what do you think about the tax cut plan, and why?" This way you'll have an actuality and ID all in one: "I'm Ronnie Fong, I'm a pipefitter, and I think the tax cut is terrible idea! Billionaires are rich enough already!"
If you have time, ask a few throwaway questions at the top of the interview, to get your guest comfortable. "When did you start doing this kind of work?" "How did you get into it?" If what you really want on tape is the answer to the question, "Did you embezzle $10,000 from city government?", you might want to start with some softballs which make the source feel good: “How has the first year of your term been going, Mr.Mayor?”
Ask one question at a time. Keep your questions short and direct, while avoiding those with “yes or no” answers. Asking, "Why did you do it, and what do you think is going to happen next?" gives the guest the option of answering either or neither: if they're good at avoiding questions, by the time they've given an answer, you've forgotten the other question.
Be careful not to say, "Uh huh", "Mmm Hmm" when the person is talking, as we all do naturally in conversation. Just nod your head to show you are listening.
TIPS ON NARRATION: Read your script aloud before you record it. Note those places where you may have to emphasize certain words to make your point. But be careful not to over-emphasize or emote while you’re reading.
Don't look down at the page when you read. Hold the script up to your head level and read upward. It opens up your chest cavity and improves the delivery of your voice. Remember to breathe: it's easy to get through half a page and find yourself running out of air. Also remember to vary your tone, but keep your volume consistent.
When you make a mistake, start over at the beginning of the paragraph.
