Introduction

Today, people read text on ever-smaller screens, including tablets, smartphones and e-readers like the Kindle, making attracting readers even more difficult. Web-usability research also shows that users tend to skim or scan content, especially when they first visit a website. For all these reasons, journalists have to present text differently online.  Internet users want to get information fast. Headlines that leave them guessing about the topic of a story do not entice them to click through to read the rest of it.

Not only do journalists need to follow the basic principles of journalism, which include objective and accurate reporting, fact checking, citing sources, following proper grammar and spelling rules, and knowing the audience. They also need to write in a way that suits their medium, especially digital media. What has changed with the advent of social media? Do articles that inform, teach, illuminate, and inspire readers still get read? 

In this workshop, participants learn how to connect with viewers by telling powerful stories that aim for their hearts.

Course Outlines

* The characteristics of stories that engage viewers in digital/social media

* Writing compelling headlines for digital media that will attract readers and search engines

* How to incorporate sub headings

* How words, images, video and information design work together

* Storytelling techniques in the digital media era

* Writing clearly and concisely for digital media