Preparing the Digital Story Package   TOPIC: is POVERTY…

Preparing the Digital Story Package

 

TOPIC: is POVERTY

Instructions

This week we will think about the 3 stories you will report on this semester. Remember that all 3 stories (the photo essay, the audio report, and the video report) need to pertain to the beat you picked during week 1. This means that each of these 3 stories will report not specific stories and sound something like this (adapted from training.npr.org):

“We need to a story on this new environmental policy.”

“I want to report on homelessness in our city.”

That’s okay — as a starting point. Too often, though, the resulting end product remains a broad topic that never quite finds its story. The focus isn’t clear and it sounds more like a collection of quotes than a purposeful story with a beginning, middle and end.

So how can we take a topic and wrestle it into a story? You need to hypothesize from the start about the story’s focus and structure and imagine the sorts of “shots” (for photo essays and video reports) or “tape” you need (for audio reports). Gathering shots and audio takes time, and it’s not easy to go back and get something you need.  So for the sake of efficiency — and, hopefully, creativity — you’ve got to think ahead!

This exercise is a way to do that. The key to the exercise: The driving question. The best stories are trying to answer a central, driving question. It may or may not be stated explicitly, but you know what it is, and the audience can tell what it is from listening. Think of a driving question as the fuel that feeds a story and pushes it forward. Asking some version of “How did we get here?” or “What is the significance of …?” or “Why is this the way it is?” gives a story purpose.

So how do we identify the most effective question? Here are some criteria you can apply:

The scope is narrow but not too narrow. We can’t cover everything, no matter how long the story. On the flip side, you should not be able to answer the question in a sentence or a paragraph.

Too broad: What is going on with homelessness in our city?

Too narrow: What does the mayor say about the homelessness issue?

Just right: What has been the impact so far of the city’s new initiative to reduce homelessness?

It asks “why?” or “how?” These words open doors to a narrative. Good example: Why has homelessness increased so much in the past five years? You can at least begin to answer it. Sometimes, our ability to report on a topic is limited by lack of access to people or data. Or, we simply don’t yet know the answer. And while informed speculation may be OK, pure speculation is not. Problematic example: “What will happen if we don’t solve the homelessness problem?”

For each of the 3 stories you will create in the next few weeks, please answer the following prompts to help you zoom in on the driving question. Upload your answers in a Word document. Remember that your questions need to address different aspects of the same overall topic. In the end all of your stories need to pertain to your blog’s beat.

PHOTO ESSAY (due next week!)

1. What’s the problem?
2. Who is affected?
3. Who is doing something about it and what are they doing?
4. What obstacles are they hitting or what solutions are they creating?
5. What question do you personally really want to know the answer to?
6. Can you answer this question in four minutes? If not, what question could you answer?
7. What is the most specific version of the question you could ask?
8. What’s most important, new or different about this topic?
9. What does my audience need to understand? What is relevant to their lives?
10. Describe 1-2 pieces of must-have shots. Start basic. The point of this prompt is to ensure that your story will actually answer the question it’s exploring. What pictures will best answer the question? For example, if your central question is “How is X policy affecting people in my city?” one “must-have” shot is of those affected by the policy. That may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s not. With a less-focused reporting process, it can be easy to lose sight of what’s essential and what’s secondary.
11. My driving question for my photo essay is: _________________________________

AUDIO REPORT

1. What’s the problem?
2. Who is affected?
3. Who is doing something about it and what are they doing?
4. What obstacles are they hitting or what solutions are they creating?
5. What question do you personally really want to know the answer to?
6. Can you answer this question in four minutes? If not, what question could you answer?
7. What is the most specific version of the question you could ask?
8. What’s most important, new or different about this topic?
9. What does my audience need to understand? What is relevant to their lives?
10. Describe 1-2 pieces of must-have audio. Start basic. The point of this prompt is to ensure that your story will actually answer the question it’s exploring. What audio will best answer the question?
11. My driving question for my audio report is: _________________________________

VIDEO REPORT

1. What’s the problem?
2. Who is affected?
3. Who is doing something about it and what are they doing?
4. What obstacles are they hitting or what solutions are they creating?
5. What question do you personally really want to know the answer to?
6. Can you answer this question in four minutes? If not, what question could you answer?
7. What is the most specific version of the question you could ask?
8. What’s most important, new or different about this topic?
9. What does my audience need to understand? What is relevant to their lives?
10. Describe 1-2 pieces of must-have video. Start basic. The point of this prompt is to ensure that your story will actually answer the question it’s exploring. What video will best answer or illustrate the question?
11. My driving question for my video report is: ______________________________

 

 

 

 

 

Week 1 blog :

 

Topic: Poverty

I have chosen to focus on the topic of poverty for my blog. Poverty is a predominant shared issue that affects individuals and communities all around the world. I’m passionate about raising consciousness and creating change for those living in poverty, as well as conversing its multiple causes and effects.

 

Blog Name: Start with a small change today

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Blog Tagline: A Window into the Lives of the Deprived.

 

Blog Categories: Social matters, engagement, community, poverty, empowerment.

 

Why do I blog?

 

I blog because it gives me a stand to share my thoughts and opinions on important social issues, and to engage in meaningful conversations with others who are passionate about creating transformation. Blogging also allows me to connect with a broader audience and raise awareness about topics that are close to my heart.

 

Describe my blog in 50 words or less:

 

Start with a small change today is a social activism blog that sheds light on the issue of poverty and its different facets. Through thought-provoking and informative content, this blog aims to educate and create awareness about poverty, while also discussing ways in which we can collectively work towards eradicating it.

 

Target Readership:

 

My target readership is individuals who are interested in social issues and are looking to educate themselves on topics like poverty. I also hope to reach out to those directly affected by poverty, in hopes of inspiring them and providing them with resources and support. My readership also includes individuals who are passionate about creating change and making a positive impact in the world.

 

Emotional response or reaction I want people to have when they first see my site:

 

I want people to feel curious and intrigued when they first see my site. I want them to feel drawn in and motivated to learn more about the issue of poverty and its involvedness. I also hope that my site creates a sense of empathy and compassion towards those living in poverty and motivates readers to take action towards making a difference.

 

Blog Branding 101 – The Drawing Board:

 

Style Terms:

 

· Modern urban

· Socially conscious

· Empathetic

· Bold and impactful

· Visual storytelling

 

General Adjectives:

 

· Authentic

· Engaging

· Thought-provoking

· Inclusive

· Empowering

 

Colors:

 

I feel that a combination of orange and yellow resonate with my style and the topic of poverty. These colors represent warmth, vibrancy, and positivity, which are important elements in spreading awareness and creating change. However, if I had to choose one, I think orange resonates the most as it symbolizes creativity, determination, and social change.

 

Two terms I do NOT want to describe my blog’s design are:

 

· Stagnant

· Exclusive

 

Crafting a Branding Design Statement:

 

My blog will embody a modern rustic aesthetic, with warm and vibrant shades of orange and yellow. It will provide a platform for authentic and engaging discussions on the issue of poverty, with a focus on creating empathy and sparking social change. Through bold visual storytelling, it aims to empower and inspire readers to take action towards eradicating poverty.

 

Developing a Cohesive Branding Strategy:

 

1. Define the Purpose of the Blog: The purpose of my blog is to educate and create awareness about poverty, while also discussing ways in which we can collectively work towards eradicating it. It will also provide resources and support for those directly affected by poverty, and inspire readers to become agents of change.

 

2. Identify Target Audience: My target audience includes individuals interested in social issues, as well as those directly affected by poverty. It also includes people who are passionate about creating change and making a positive impact in the world.

 

3. Create Unique Image: To make cohesive branding strategy, I will focus on creating a unique image for my blog that is visually appealing, authentic, and engaging. The use of warm and vibrant colors will help to create a sense of positivity and highlight the urgency of the issue.

 

4. Consistent Voice: A consistent voice will be maintained throughout all my blog posts to make strong and cohesive brand image. The tone will be empathetic, informative, and empowering.

 

5. Utilize Social Media: Social media platforms will be utilized to further promote my blog and its branding strategy. I will create engaging and visually appealing content that aligns with the overall theme and messaging of my blog.

 

6. Collaborate with Others: Collaborating with other bloggers and organizations that share a similar vision and passion for social change will help to expand my reach and make stronger brand image.

 

7. Engage with Audience: Engaging with my audience and actively involving them in discussions will help to create a sense of community and strengthen my blog’s branding strategy. This will also allow for valuable feedback and ideas for future content.

 

8. Constantly Evolve: As my blog grows and evolves, it is important for my branding strategy to adapt and evolve with it. Regular assessments and updates will be made to maintain a consistent image and message.

 

Blog Setup:

I have set up a free blog on WordPress.com under the name “Start with a small change today”

The chosen theme is clean and modern layout with warm color accents that align with my branding strategy. I have also created a logo with a heart and children. This symbolizing the idea of helping and inspiring those affected by poverty. The colors used in the logo are orange and yellow, reflecting the warm and vibrant elements of my branding strategy. The logo will also be used as the header for my blog, giving it a cohesive and professional look.

 

In conclusion, my blog’s branding strategy revolves around creating a strong and cohesive brand image through consistent messaging, visuals and engagement. The purpose of my blog is to educate and inspire others to take action towards eradicating poverty. I am passionate about making a positive impact in the world and I believe that through this blog, I can use my voice to spread awareness and create change.