Broadcast writing is very unique compared to writing an essay for an English teacher. Many refer to broadcast writing as writing done for the ear. Every part of the script needs to consider how the viewer will be able to process it after only hearing it one time.
One of the most important elements of any journalistic story is the angle. You need to ask yourself how can I tell this story in a very focused fashion. Narrow down the storytelling.
Once you have discovered your angle, you must figure out how you are going to begin. Writing the lead might just be the most difficult part to your story. Be sure to include something that hooks your listener, otherwise they will not hang around to listen to the rest of it.
Most leads contain all of the important facts. The who, what, when, where, how, and why? Be careful though not to include everything, because then you leave the story nowhere to go. Remember include the essential facts and then build a little suspense.
As you next introduce your characters/sources in your story, consider a few simple rules. The first rule is to attribute first. Tell us who said something before the quote. Avoid cliches. And don’t state the obvious. Remember the viewer is watching as well.
In addition, avoid using “you” or any form of second person. Also avoid starting a phrase with an item that would be easier to remember later on in the phrasing, like a number or detail. And lastly avoid passive voice. This includes and verbs ending in “ing” and words like “is” and “was.”
A few other tips:
Sentences should be simple sentences. Avoid modifiers. They confuse and lose the listener sometimes.
Use transition words. When we read, we are aided by punctuation, but in listening we depend on transition words. (transition word examples are: since, because, however, but, in order to, etc.) Transition words can serve a function in meaning too, so be sure to pick the correct transition.
Use contractions as you would naturally. It sounds more natural to say “didn’t” rather than “did not.”
Avoid phrases that are negative constructions. Rather than saying what did not happen, say what did happen.
Consider controlling the pacing of your script through the management of the amount of information you are including. Remember sometimes in order for your reader to get the most important information out of the story, you have to edit some of the less important details out.
For more information see the posts on script writing here.
Presentation on Interviewing for Television
Lesson on Interviewing & the Non-Question
Broadcast Staff Manual For The Scholastic Press 