To paraphrase or not to paraphrase, that is the question. Cliché? You betcha! But, I am not afraid to let you in on a secret. Writers and reporters often paraphrase. But, you may be asking, “When do I paraphrase?”. Writing is a ticklish subject, one often requiring finesse. As a young reporter for a dailyContinue reading “How to Think Like a Journalist: When to Paraphrase Like a Pro”
Author Archives: Greg Hitchcock
The Future of English
As we leap into a new year, leaving an old one behind, I cannot help but be struck with the staying power of the English language to endure. In China, there is a movement by the government to eradicate the Mongolian language in classrooms of Inner Mongolia. In France, there is a movement by theContinue reading “The Future of English”
The Language Paradox
Let’s face it. If you had a time travel machine, you would find language changing quite rapidly due to the driving force of technology. If you travelled to the past, you may identify with Elizabethan English of Shakespeare, But thou art not quickly moved to strike, but go farther than that to say 1300 a.d.Continue reading “The Language Paradox”
How to Think Like a Journalist: Breaking Through Writer’s Block
I have a confession to make. I’m one of the worst (or best) procrastinators in the world. Sometimes, I relate by saying to myself “I’m taking my time”. This unfortunately is a cop out. What I am NOT doing is following advice from top motivational speakers like Zig Ziglar, whose rule no. 4 of hisContinue reading “How to Think Like a Journalist: Breaking Through Writer’s Block”
How to think like a journalist: Getting the Interview in Government Meetings
At government meetings, reporters assume they can get the story from the mayor, town supervisor, or other leader, but it is a mistake to think that. Let me explain. President Richard Nixon got caught with his hands in a cookie jar, not because Nixon was interviewed, but because Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward and CarlContinue reading “How to think like a journalist: Getting the Interview in Government Meetings”
HOW TO THINK LIKE A JOURNALIST: THE HOOK
Ask any fisherman and he will tell you, the way you cast your hook is half the battle in catching fish. The same holds true for reporters and their profession. You have to find the right hook. Hooks are the introduction of the story to the reader; they remind them why they are reading it,Continue reading “HOW TO THINK LIKE A JOURNALIST: THE HOOK”
