How to Write a Short Journalistic Article
In the world of journalism, writing a concise and effective article is an essential skill. A short journalistic article needs to capture the essence of a story while maintaining clarity and brevity. Whether for print, online media, or social platforms, a well-written short article informs readers while holding their attention. Here’s how you can craft a compelling and concise journalistic piece:
1. Understand Your Audience and Purpose
The first step in writing any article is to understand the target audience. Who are you writing for? What are their interests, preferences, and reading habits? The tone, language, and content of the article will vary depending on whether you are writing for a general audience or for a specialized group. A short news piece on current events will have a different style than an article meant to persuade or inform about a niche topic.
Equally important is defining the purpose of the article. Are you reporting an event, explaining an issue, or giving a review or opinion? Knowing the purpose helps structure the article and ensures that all essential elements are included. A short journalistic article aims to communicate important facts without unnecessary elaboration.
2. Start with a Strong Lead
In journalistic writing, the lead (or lede) is crucial. It is the opening sentence or paragraph of the article, and its main job is to capture the reader’s attention and provide the most important information in a concise manner. A good lead should answer the basic questions of who, what, when, where, and why (and sometimes how). In some cases, the lead might also include a hook—a compelling detail that intrigues the reader and encourages them to continue.
For example, a lead in a short news article could look something like this:
“A powerful earthquake struck southern Japan early this morning, leaving at least 50 people injured and causing widespread damage to buildings.”
This lead directly informs the reader about the what (earthquake), where (southern Japan), when (early this morning), and who (50 people injured).
3. Provide Context and Background Information
Once you’ve established the lead, the next step is to provide context and background. This section builds on the main points by offering additional details and clarifying the significance of the event or issue. The aim is to give the reader a fuller understanding of the topic while still keeping things concise.
For example, in a short article about the earthquake, you might follow the lead with a few sentences explaining the severity of the quake, its potential aftershocks, and historical context (e.g., Japan’s vulnerability to seismic activity).
“Japan, located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, experiences frequent earthquakes, but this morning’s tremor measured 7.2 on the Richter scale, one of the most powerful in recent years.”
This extra detail helps the reader understand why the earthquake is significant and how it fits into a larger context.
4. Focus on the Essential Facts
A short journalistic article should be focused and avoid excessive detail. While you may feel the urge to include every detail, only the most relevant facts should make it into the final piece. Focus on key points that directly support the story and enhance its value. This means stripping away non-essential information that doesn’t contribute to the main theme.
Consider what the reader needs to know and prioritize facts that answer essential questions. In a news article, you might focus on the who, what, where, and why, but in other types of writing, such as an opinion piece or feature article, the focus may shift to how and why the issue matters.
5. Use Simple and Direct Language
The most effective journalistic writing is clear, simple, and direct. Avoid jargon or overly complex language that could confuse the reader. A short article should be accessible to a broad audience, and clarity should always take precedence over style.
For example, instead of writing, “The earthquake’s seismic waves reverberated across the region with substantial magnitude,” opt for something more direct, like: “The earthquake’s tremors were felt across the region with great force.”
Be mindful of sentence structure and word choice. Keep sentences short, and make sure each word adds value to the article. Journalistic writing often favors active voice over passive voice because it is more immediate and engaging. For example, instead of writing “The report was released by the government,” use “The government released the report.”
6. Include Relevant Quotes
When appropriate, include quotes from credible sources to add depth to the article. A quote can humanize a story, making it more engaging and relatable. For a short article, however, it’s important to use quotes sparingly—just enough to reinforce the points you’re making. Choose quotes that are impactful and directly relevant to the story.
For example, in the case of the earthquake, a quote from an eyewitness might add a personal perspective:
“I felt the ground shaking, and the walls cracked,” said Taro Yamamoto, a local resident. “I immediately ran outside to safety.”
This quote adds immediacy and emotion to the story, bringing the event to life for the reader.
7. Conclude with a Strong Ending
Even in a short article, a strong conclusion is necessary to wrap up the piece. The ending should reinforce the main point and, if applicable, provide a forward-looking statement, such as what might happen next or the potential consequences of the event. It could also call the reader to action or leave them with something to think about.
For example, in a news article about the earthquake, the conclusion might be:
“Rescue teams are continuing to search for survivors, and local authorities are urging residents to remain alert for aftershocks.”
Alternatively, in an opinion piece, the conclusion might offer a call to action:
“Now is the time for governments and organizations to invest in earthquake preparedness and response measures to minimize the damage caused by future disasters.”
8. Edit and Revise for Brevity
Finally, after drafting your article, review it carefully to ensure it is as concise and clear as possible. Since journalistic articles are typically short, each word must serve a purpose. Remove unnecessary adjectives, redundancies, or filler content that doesn’t add value. Check for clarity, grammar, and spelling errors to ensure the article is professional and polished.
Editing is essential because even a well-written article can be improved with a second (or third) set of eyes. It’s crucial to ensure the piece flows smoothly and is free of any errors that could distract from the story.
Conclusion
Writing a short journalistic article requires a blend of skill, efficiency, and precision. By focusing on key facts, using clear language, and structuring the article effectively, you can craft a compelling piece that informs readers while keeping their attention. The lead must grab their attention, the body should provide essential context, and the conclusion should leave a lasting impact. With practice, anyone can become proficient in writing concise and impactful journalistic articles.