Make sure you answer all the questions

Important Questions
Obviously, you must get the 5Ws: Who, what, when, where and why.  But, this is not all.

The quicker you learn to use Associated Press style, the better your stories will be.

ALWAYS read and compare the final edited version of your story with your original story. What was changed? Why was it changed? Make a list of the questions you DID NOT ask in your original interview? Make a list of information you did not get in your original interview. Clean copy is so important. But don't expect your instructor to be around forever. Use the AP Stylebook.

 Use the dictionary. Use the college bulletin (or school directory) to get titles, names of buildings, courses descriptions, etc.,

Who:
* Get exact spelling of name, phone number to reach again exact title — double check — if used before the name,
* capitalize, If used after the name, don't capitalize. For students, we need major and classification: journalism sophomore.
* connection to the story — is the person acting in the capacity of a professor or of a committee chairperson or committee member?
* background (such as how long the person has been connected with the story or where the person went to school or how the person started in something)
* physical attributes of person (may not use, but it pays to notice) facial hair, eyeglasses, T-shirt with slogan, hat with logo, nonverbals, such as clothing, office environment, etc.
* often we use age, educational background, experience — specifics. NOT she played at a Division 3 college, but she was an all-conference goalie for three years at Trinity University from 1978 to 1981.

get phone numbers or e-mail addresses for reader followup

What:
* Get the exact information. Instead of saying, "Loland talked about . . ." tell specifically what he said . . . This can be an indirect quote (paraphrase) which usually is a summary statement followed by a direct quote which might answer the questions HOW, WHY, SO WHAT? The direct quote elaborates on the summary statement and moves the story in a fluid manner.

 Be sure to include any background needed to understand the story. 
• Always use ATTRIBUTION for information that the reader might think is the reporter's information. 
• 

If the source talks about money, get exact figures: What will this cost? Is this an increase; if so, how much? Avoid using percentages of increase or decrease without additional information on the actual dollars involved.
* If you don't understand a complex term, ask for a simpler explanation — one the reader can understand. Don't be afraid to show that you don't understand. The source will appreciate the fact that you want to get it right. Even though you cannot let the source read your story, you can check quotes and make sure the information is correct.
* If you are looking for additional information from an expert, you might use this: "Critics would argue that . . ." How would you respond? Avoid argumentative approach.
* Always prepare before an interview. Look up what has been written before. Look on the Internet. Get background on the subject from other sources such as newspapers, magazines, television, etc., This lets the source know that you know something about the subject. Counsel with an editor (or adviser) for additional help in preparing for the interview. It's best to get everything you need at once than calling back numerous times.
* Make sure to look up exact names of departments, agencies, organizations. Make sure you recognize trademarks and capitalize them: Mylar, Band-Aid, etc.,

Where:
* Usually in an advance meeting or event story, we use TIME, DATE, PLACE in order.
* Obviously, we need exact street addresses
* Supply prompts to let the reader know exactly where something is. Instead of "the mall area," use more specific locators. 
* Look for unusual things — the crowd number, environmental factors, crowd reaction, interruptions, etc.,

When:


• This is important in an advance story. Obviously, if people don't know when something begins, they won't know to be there on time. If the date is within seven days either way, use the day of the week instead of the date. Use "noon" and "midnight." Use "p.m." not "P.M."

Why:
• This is often the most salient (important) bit of information.
• "Why, what does this mean, can you give me an example, can you help me put this into context," are important questions.
• Trustees voted to raise tuition — why? What does this mean to students? An additional $39 more in tuition per semester? Raising taxes? How much more will a person owning a $75,000 home have to pay? Is this the only source of increased revenues?

So what:
• Why should the reader need to know this information?
• The best writers are readers. 
• Behind every great reporter is a great editor.

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