The newspaper method

Disciplines > Communication > The newspaper method

Description | Example | Discussion | See also

Description

Use this method when writing short articles, communications, emails, etc. to make sure you get the key points of a method across:

Start with a headline.
Then add the main points you want to communicate.
Then add secondary points and/or supporting arguments.
Then add minor detail and points of interest.

Example

Singer dies
Chart-topping singer Kate Mosely has died from an overdose of drugs.
After a storming performance at the New York Met, she attended a rave party where she was apparently given a 'bad dose'.
Michael Dorners, 45, who was at the rave with her said that she was dancing and suddenly collapsed.
She was taken to the FGR Hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival.
She leaves behind two children, Zak, 3, and Zim, 5, who are being comforted by their grandmother.

Discussion

Newspaper editors need to fit articles and stories into fixed spaces within pages. When they are written in the style as described above, the editor can start editing from the bottom, removing or shortening the less relevant items first.