Guest Speaker Vickie Chachere

On Monday, Vickie Chachere came to class to explain to us the different aspects of the editorial pages as well as what how to go about writing an effective editorial.

One of the things that I took away from her speech is the importance of researching the stories that you are writing. Chachere gave an example of her determination to find the truth when there was notification that Florida government was putting $10 million into AP classes.

Many students were being put into AP classes because they were failing the FCAT. This action was taken in efforts to improve their scores, but many times did not work. Students continued to fail FCAT. Also, the students who were in AP classes because they chose to be were suffering because the curriculum was not as difficult. Chachere investigated the situation by going to the Florida Department of Edition to research test scores as well as looking at the pilot projects in Orlando, Jacksonville and Tampa. Chachere also researched the citizens would deem successful. Chachere interviewed many people including AP professionals and education experts in Texas and Florida.

Chachere researched this issue for a month before she wrote her editorial. This determination for the facts was impressive. It showed the amount of work that can be put into a well written editorial.

Chachere also conveyed to the class the difference between cynicism and skepticism. Cynicism is a malignant nature about the information or people in which you are involved. Skepticism is the mentality of “show me the facts.”

Towards the end of her speech Chachere explained the herd mentality of framing stories and the brain of newspapers.

The herd mentality of stories represents the similarity of how stories are written or framed. Each story should have a strong point of view. Even if the writer does not agree with the point of view, they must still make it convincing. There is also the typical inverted pyramid with the most important information at the beginning working to the least important at the end of the story. Bias is also supposed to be present in the writing but to the point where it is effective not rambling.

Chachere concluded her speech with the explanation of the brain of newspapers. As of 2005 newspapers looked to the New York Times as the source of all conclusive information. If a national or world story varied from the New York Times questions arose. However, with the use of technology and online media the New York Times is not the only source of conclusive answers.

Chachere’s speech helped me to better understand the importance of research during the editorial writing process. I also learned some of the basic differences in story structures. Chachere’s speech was another amazing learning experience.

Guest Speaker Rosemary Goudreau

Throughout Rosemary Goudreau’s speech there were several points made about the importance of the editorial ages to the community. Even though I have read many editorials over the years, it never truly occurred to me what they were written about and for whom.
Goudreau explained how the editorial page is the guide for the community and the voice of leadership. Editorials are not to a specific interest although political views are generally understood by the newspaper. Goudreau used the example of political understanding when the Tampa Tribune did not endorse George W. Bush for re-election. This act outraged many Tribune readers as well as enthused many others. The Tribune went against its general backing of Republican candidates yet still did not endorse Kerry.
The editorial pages ask for the attention of public meetings. Many times editorial pages have helped members of a community fighting for a cause to be put on the public agenda. Goudreau also remarked that the editorial pages help to capture and amplify conversations. They allow for people to talk about a common interest whether it is for or against a subject.
Goudreau also explained how being unpredictable is a value in the editorial pages. Also, adding photos or cartoons to add to the appeal to the story is beneficial. The photos or cartoons help sell the story to the readers. These tactics help to overcome the initial challenge of engaging readers past the first couple sentences.
When prompted with the question of online editorial pages Goudreau replied that she feels there is no place yet that can reach the people like an editorial page. This made me think because growing up in the information age the internet has been the resource or answer to many of my questions. She made the point that online is more personal rather then overview of citizen concern.
I have learned the importance of the editorial pages to the community as well as the importance to keep things different and interesting.