Sports_Writing_guide in preparation for press conference

Sports_Writing_guide in preparation for press conference

1. Lecture on Campus Journalism
Presented by Mr. Noel M. Bacani
Natividad High School

2. Among the different sections of a newspaper, the sports
page perhaps has the widest range of readership. Survey
shows that 95% of male readers read the sports page.
This is because sports stories are more interesting to
read due to the action and rivalries of opposing teams
which are vividly and colorfully written.
The rivalry between schools and intramurals teams brings
thrill and excitement to the student readers.
Sports writing is livelier because the writer deals with
physical motion and action. The use of strong words/
action words and the vivid description of the skirmishes
between opponents that carries the readers to the exact
place and time where the action took place and how it
was played right before their very own eyes will surely
make them breathless and want for more.

3. Know the rules of the game
Develop the ability to detect the strength and
weaknesses of the team
Know coaches and players
Be an accurate observer
Take notes quickly without losing the sequence of the
play
Be fair and unbiased
Use the specialized language of the game (sports lingo)
Be original as possible

4. 1. Coverage Story – this is a report on the
outcome of the game, how it was played
including the highlight/s.
2. Advance Story
Straight News – presents the facts of the coming
event, the line-ups and list of competing teams.
 

5. Background Story – a sports feature informing the readers what lies
behind the coming event, its significance, teams previous records,
strategies and personalities.
 
Titleholder La Salle (4-1) collides today with title-hungry Ateneo (3-2)
in a game predicted to be a cliffhanger and bursting with emotions.
 
Prediction Story – makes a fearless forecast based on logical analysis of
information. The story is based on research, observation of practices
and interviews with players and coachers.
If last year’s performance and this year’s workouts translate into
action, MHS Dribblers are on their way to their fourth consecutive
congressional championship title, according to Mr. Ponce Y. Martin,
coach.

6. Sports stories follow the structure of straight news, that
is, the inverted pyramid structure – this means that the
facts are presented from the most important to the least
important. However, sports news is different in the
sense that if uses a special vocabulary which throbs
with action. Creating and imagination are employed in
describing action.
At present, featurized treatment of sports news is
becoming (increasingly) popular. Unconventional or
novelty leads such as staccato, quotation, question, and
other imaginative devices are used, all the more giving
the story a touch of feature.

7. The traditional sports lead consists of the 5Ws
and 1H. it may play up any of the following:
1.Significance of the game
2.Spectacular play
3.Hero of the game
4.Unusual circumstances
5.Human interest