Headlines

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Let’s start out with the bad & the ugly….

POLICE CHASE WINDSTHROUGH THREE TOWNS

*Are “chase” and “winds” verbs or nouns?

USD #269 BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETS

Wait…who did what!?

POTENTIAL WITNESS TO MURDER DRUNK

So, now we can murder drunks legally? Oh, now I see, it'sa potential witness to a murder who happened to be

drunk?

You get the point…

• Downtown hogs grant cash • Sisters reunited after 18 years

in checkout line at supermarket • Senate presses

vets suits• Pope plans headache • S. Florida illegal aliens

in half by new law

EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT THEM!

What are they?• A way to GRAB readers’

attention!• A line or lines of text, usually set

in a larger typeface than body copy, that introduce articles

Things that make up good headlines:

VERBSEffective headlines usually involve logical sentence structure, active voice and strong present-tense verbs. They do not include

“headlinese.” As with any good writing, good headlines are driven by good verbs.

Examples:“New burger targeted for McLean times “

“Gates admits mistake “

Be informative

• You want to encapsulate the story but you also want your reader to keep reading!

• Polly want a cracker?” Don't just parrot the lead of the story, and try to avoid stealing the reporter's thunder on a feature story. A good headline captures the essence of the story without pillaging — and, therefore, dulling — the writer's punch. 

• Don’t be cute, unless cute is called for: Don't yield to the temptation to write cute headlines or to use faddish or commercial slogans unless doing so fits especially well with the content and tone of the story. 

Connotative Diction(aka make conscious word choices!)

• Pick words that reflect what you’re saying and don’t use words you wouldn’t use normally

• Example:“Micks nix pix!” – Huh? – (Mickey Rourke and Mick Jagger turn down roles in same movie)

• Good examples:

U.S. rips Ryder Cup from Europeans' grasp

• Halloween scares up snow across much of Michigan

Watch out for double meaning

• Be especially careful to read for hidden meanings • Example (of double entendre): • The following is a famous headline. Not only does it have a

double entendre, but the bad break at the end of the first line contributes to the problem. Street sales for the newspaper were extraordinary that day; the edition sold out in a remarkably short time. Read the head and you’ll see why:

• Textron Inc. Makes OfferTo Screw Co. Stockholders

Be Clear

• Don't use proper names in headlines unless the name is well-known enough to be recognized immediately. The same is true for abbreviations. 

• Example (bad): • Jones to fill who’s Jones?

vacancy oncity council

• Example (good): McCain-Obamadebate todayon Michigan radio

Last but not least

• Do not capitalize every word! Only Pronouns and first word.

• Do not editorialize, exaggerate, generalize or use long words. Keep it simple and direct. 

• Headlines, like poetry and songs, should have a rhythm about them. Play with words, they are your friend

Lets look at some together…

Ok…now your turn!

• Get into small groups, and come up with 3 different headlines for the article I give you

• We’ll re-group, share ideas and evaluate each others

• Happy headline writing! : )

Remember:

• Verbs• Don’t lose the info• Choose your words wisely• Be clear• Watch out for those double

meanings• Have fun and be creative!

Our Class Rubric*:

*we’ll go over more involving page layout and headlines tomorrow…