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ODEBRECHT Tips for a Good Text

Tips for a Good Text

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ODEBRECHT

Sources: “Manual de Redação” (“Writing Manual”), newspaper O Estado de S. Paulo;

“Jornalismo Investigativo” (“Investigative Journalism”), Leandro Fortes.

Tips for a Good Text

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a good text includes the following

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starting the text

• Precise information

Generally, the first paragraph should provide most of the

• Interesting phrase construction

answers to the six basic questions:

• Appropriate word choices

• What

• Clear passages

• Who

• Well placed and non-excessive adjectives and adverbs

• When

• Coherent sentence structure in terms of the verbal

• Where

conjugations and numbers • Correct sequence of verbal conjugations

• How • Why

• Correct grammar • Correct grammar and spelling

What could not be clarified in this paragraph should definitely be included in the second. This ensures that a quick reading

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clarity

Be clear, precise, direct, objective and concise. Use short phrases and avoid excessive intercalations or unnecessary reverse ordering. It is not fair to make the reader go through complicated mental exercises to understand the text.

Construct sentences with a maximum of two or three lines.

In order to facilitate reading, the paragraphs should have an

will give the reader a summarized idea of what happened.

Link the first paragraph smoothly and harmoniously to the following ones and so forth with the others after that.

Try to always include the information in a descending order of importance, so that if there is any need to cut the text, the last paragraphs can be deleted.

average of five and a maximum of eight lines.

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simplicity

Simplicity is the essential condition of the text. Remember that you are writing to all Members and all, without exceptions, have the right to understand any text.

direct order

Adopt as the norm direct order, since it is the one that most easily leads the reader to the essence of the news. Eliminate irrelevant details and go directly to the point, without running around in circles.

developing the text

This does not necessarily mean repeating overused structures

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and phrases or the exaggerated use of the passive voice (“will

The journalistic style is a middle ground between literary and

be started” or “will be held”), overly simple vocabulary, etc.

spoken language. Therefore, avoid both rhetoric and hermetism, as well as slang, jargon and colloquialisms.

With words that are known to all, you can write originally and creatively and produce elegant, varied, fluent and well aligned

Always keep in mind: space today is precious; and the reader’s

phrases. Avoid rummaging for harder words, vocabulary

time as well. Avoid long descriptions and report the event

pedantries, unnecessary technical terms and a “scholarly voice.”

using the least possible number of words.

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finding the focus

Every text addresses something. The best texts have a focus and a point.

Ask yourself these questions: What is new, what constitutes news?

What is the topic of the text? What information surprised me? What will surprise me as a reader? What do Members need to know?

Write impartial and objective texts. Do not expose opinions, but rather facts, so that the reader can reach his or her own conclusions.

You may be familiar with certain terms or situations, but the reader is not. Therefore, be clear with the news and do not leave anything implied.

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the choice of words

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quotes

Do not begin sentences or paragraphs one after the other

Be careful with quote marks and quotations. Make sure that

with the same word or repeatedly use the same sentence

every quotation used is essential to the text.

structure.

Never forget that the text serves as an intermediary between Be careful when choosing the words of your text. Be wary of

the event or source of information and the reader. Do not

perfect synonyms or terms that work for all occasions.

limit yourself to putting the interviewee’s statements on pa-

Try to avoid technical terms, primarily those related to

per. Instead, make sure that any reader could understand the

engineering. Not everyone understands technical

meaning of these statements.

explanations and the use of these words may make it harder for the reader to understand the overall text. Look for synonyms or “translate” technical terms.

Seek to eliminate phrase fads and overly-used words.

Avoid: “falls short;” “reach a common denominator;” “transparency;” “backdrop;” “blow up like a bomb;” and “end on a high note.”

Adopt this practical rule: never write what you wouldn’t say.

Accordingly, someone rejects (not declines) an invitation, delays or puts off (not procrastinates) a decision, takes advantage (not makes use of ) a situation.

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names and positions

Always place the person’s name first, followed by his or her position. Eg: John Smith, Responsible for People & Organization.

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acronyms

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use of adjectives

Apply adjectives cautiously. Adjectives generally indicate judgment of subjective values that the story may not transmit in of itself (and which readers will interpret in their own way).

It is rare for news stories to justify the inclusion of words or expressions of an absolute value or those that are overly emphatic, such as certain adjectives (magnificent, marvelous, sensational, spectacular, admirable, splendid, brilliant), the superlatives (extremely funny, extremely delicious, extremely competent, extremely famous) and strong verbs such as drive mad, infuriate, marvel, haunt, dazzle, etc.

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read and re-read the text

Always check the names of people, their positions, the figures included in the story, totals, dates, times and enumerations. In this way, you will guarantee another essential condition for a news story: reliability.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to check dictiona-

The first time you cite the acronym, write the name out,

ries, encyclopedia, almanacs and other books of reference. Or

followed by the acronym between parentheses. You can use

you can contact specialists or more experienced colleagues.

only the acronym in all later references.

Double check very long phrases. You will typically find grammatical errors in these, together with unnecessary prepositions and other obstacles to a good text. Make sure that the text has a good balance between long and short phrases.