Spice up Your Next News Article Part 2 Articles | Writing

By: Aaron Read

If you find there isn't one after doing some research, than show that too! Prove your findings using lots of statistics and human interest.

How to Find the Right Angle: Every story has at least a dozen angles. The writer's job is to find one that fits your readership and publication's style. Stuck for finding a way to make your next news story jump off the page?

Try these 4 tips for finding just the right angle:

1. Observation is everything. No matter what the subject, take the time to sit back and really observe what's happening around you. Not only will you find an interesting angle, you just might find the story everyone else is missing.

Are all the reporters covering the school board meeting as a whole? Take one interesting little tidbit from the meeting and run with it. Maybe the school superintendent won't agree to attend the annual training seminar this summer he has for the past 20. Ask why?

Maybe he's planning a unique family vacation that week - or maybe he's going to resign before the end of the school year and hasn't announced it yet. Be on the lookout for strange or unusual behavior. It may lead you down a more interesting story path.

2. Keep An Open Mind. Don't overlook any possibility when looking for an article angle. After all, that messy eater you saw at the local community dinner may be all the inspiration you need to write an article on proper picnic etiquette.

3. Write Down Everything. Keep meticulous notes. Don't worry so much about gathering facts and statistics you can gather later.

First, concentrate on gathering images and bits of conversations that will be lost and forgotten once the meeting or event is over. Those are the real gems to bring your article to life. Save them.

4. Let Your Subject Captivate You. Really listen during an interview. Feel what your subject is feeling. Bring that personal aspect to your story. After all, if you can't get excited about your subject matter, how can you expect your reader to?

What makes a good news writer? Most readers agree it's the ability to find new ways to tell old stories. There will always be a new tax on the table, or a controversy in the courthouse.

Learn to take those bland and ordinary facts and turn them into interesting articles readers will want to read.