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Science Journalism
for Dummies
How to Tell a Good Story
(October 6, 2004) -
Backstage at the World Conference on Science Journalism, Jay Ingram,
producer and host of the Discovery Channel’s Daily Planet,
talked to us about the secrets of good television reporting. Ingram
is the author of nearly ten scientific books, including three
for children. He also pens a column for the Toronto Star.
Do your homework
Suppose archeologists discover a cache of prehistoric
tools. A reporter wants to cover the event. "First of
all, the reporter should have solid general knowledge of the subject
from the outset. Why? Because that’s how you get a handle
on what’s driving the story, its appeal. Also, with a grasp
of the subject-matter, you can make it understandable,"
explains Ingram.
Beautiful people
He recommends carefully selecting guests before
taping a program. "They should come across well on screen,
in other words be telegenic and effective. In the theatre, our
interest is likely to be sparked when the actors have visual appeal
and turn out to be excellent performers. The dialogue and story
become easier to remember. The same applies to a television report
if the people you see are young, eloquent, committed, and good-looking
with a strong personality," Ingram points out.
Logic
You don’t start Goldilocks at the end!
A good story has a beginning, a middle with setbacks to create
suspense, and an end. The same applies to reporting. "The
art of storytelling is more important than gripping images. Sometimes
journalists are too obsessed with the technique, the shot and
the lighting, and tend to forget about the narrative elements,"
he says.
I love my audience and they love me!
Fingertip knowledge of your audience is vital. "When
talking to children, you try to put yourself on their level,
says Ingram. His second golden rule: try not to swamp the audience
with an overload of information. "Otherwise viewers can’t
filter or remember the facts. It’s better to say less and
take the time to dig into it thoroughly. Go for the gist."
His last word? "You can’t ignore the
fact that we’re still subject to the demands of advertisers
and public taste. It’s a shame to have to say it, but it’s
part of the truth," he signs. "We’re not
completely independent-minded."
Ingram will talk about the secrets of good reporting in the session
on How They Did It (205A) today from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Valérie Martin
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