Finding a Story's Focus

This is a 90-minute exercise based on the following distinction: All stories are about something, and all stories should have a point. But about and point are not the same thing. To focus a story (as an idea before the story is written, or in revision of a first draft), a reporter or editor must move from what a story is about to what is the point.

Materials: A handout packet that contains several stories with problems. The problems are issues of vagueness, lack of clarity or large amounts of disorganized information. Depending on your goals and audience, these could be real first drafts, published stories or stories you make up. As resources for this session, consult the books, Coaching Writers, by Roy Peter Clark and Don Fry, and The Art and Craft of Feature Writing, by William Blundell.

Program: Open the program with the following definitions.

About: A one-paragraph statement of background, facts and people involved. Explains the context of the news. Defines terms. Shares pertinent information.

Point: A one-sentence summary of the main theme or issue - the news as it relates to readers. What is the point of the story -- for readers? The point becomes the spine of the story, the thread that runs through each part of the story and which each part of the story must develop.

Share one bad story (or even just a budget line) in a handout or on an overhead, and demonstrate the difference between about and the point. Share one good story where the distinction is clearer.

Break the group up into smaller groups of no more than three or four people each. Have each group select a leader. Distribute the packet of bad stories and ask each group to read each story. Each group must then prepare to discuss with the larger group what it believes each story is about and what is each story's point. Select stories where the issue of the point is debatable or unclear based on available information. The goal here is to practice focusing stories on readers' needs and interests.

Generally, there is considerable debate or several choices when it comes to the point. As you facilitate the discussion, try to keep readers needs the guiding criteria. One bad story may generate several good story points. Discuss the order in which they might be done, or which warrant quick turnaround and which might be the kernal of a larger project.

Conclusion: Revisit the two definitions. Note the about material comes through reporting. The point discussion can occur early but settling on a point occurs after the bulk of the reporting is done and the first draft is about to begin. Finding the point is a device for focusing a story idea and developing a writing plan or outline. Asking "What's the point?" could become a standard part of any story conference, from daily budget meetings to larger projects.

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