Always KISS
In order to win that contest, you must always remember the acronym KISS, short for ‘Keep it short and simple.’ In headline writing or writing your whole article in general, always employ KISS to ensure that victory!
Of course, the idea behind KISS is to deliver a short, concise article while elucidating its importance to the masses.
Remember your ABC!
When composing a science and technology article, whether news, feature, or editorial, you have to recall your ABC! No, I do not mean the alphabet; rather, Accuracy, Brevity, and Clarity (ABC). In Science and Technology writing, your ABC will be the foundation of your entire article.
If you are not familiar with the ABC, then take note! First, Accuracy incorporates factual and true data into your article. Second, Brevity shows the quality of briefness, or how much information you can compress into something digestible and easy. Last, Clarity helps with expressing a clear, logical statement while avoiding any hard-to-understand, vague, or ambiguous ideas.
Stay AWARE!
As a Science and Technology writer, you must always be updated with the current trends, events, environmental issues, and technologies that surround our world. After all, the world is always changing, and technology is always evolving.
Some topics like artificial intelligence (AI) or typhoons will definitely pop up in your next DSPC, so stay aware and research on those topics!
Ready a bow & strike that angle!
In a Division Schools Press Conference (DSPC) or any journalistic contest at that, it is important to be an archer. Just like an archer, you have to strike an angle that hits the target—in this case, your target audience, the judges.
You, an average student, are faced against many other exceptional and skilled journalists. It may sound intimidating; however, it is not about the best bow, but instead the best angle.
Once you receive the topic, you have to find the ‘controlling variable’ that will depict the effects on a certain group of people. In other words, pinpoint the factor that affects a community.
For example, if artificial intelligence (AI) were to be banned in every country of the globe, what effect would this have on society? What are some disadvantages or advantages?
Sip the soup; don’t gulp it down!
Science and Technology is a dense discipline, much like a richly flavored soup. To appreciate it, you need to take it in slowly, savoring each part. If you gulp it down, you miss the layers of flavor—just as readers miss understanding if ideas are served too fast.
When writing a Sci-Tech article, break down complex concepts gradually. Don’t gulp it all out at once. Instead, guide readers gently, so that they can absorb and enjoy each idea fully—one sip at a time.
Forge a compelling Lead & Headline
The headline and lead of your Sci-Tech article must capture the attention of the viewer. You may be creative when composing your lead and headline to strike a powerful blow, ensuring that victory for your next contest!
Sci-Tech articles, especially in press conferences, are typically constructed in a news writing manner.
Thus, your headline must follow the S-V-O, or Subject, Verb, Object. For the lead, it must incorporate the 5Ws and 1H (Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How).
Maintain Ethical Journalism Criteria
As cliché as it sounds, you really have to remember the ethics of journalism! As a journalist, not just a Sci-Tech writer, you still have to ensure that your work is factual, unbiased, and true.
Many journalists make the mistake of adding opinionated statements into their articles. Remember, this is not an editorial. No one wants to hear your opinion, let’s be real. Your work has to stay objective and unbiased, or else the judge would minus points from your article.
Run it down!
Journalism contests, especially press conferences, often require you to write quickly while upholding quality in what you write. Hence, you have to run it down! In other words, try practicing the drafting of articles within a limited timeframe to develop your efficiency in outlining, writing, and proofreading.
This not only helps you train your writing dexterity but also allows for a better generation of ideas and thoughts when writing a creative and strong article.
Fix your penmanship!
“Ayusin mo yung penmanship niyo” is a typical saying that the judges say to contestants. Some judges would throw out your article if the penmanship is bad—it is that serious.
Your handwriting is one factor that affects your chances of winning.
So, even if your article was great, it is still worthless if the handwriting was poor.
Pray, pray, and pray
Any press conference can be nerve-wracking and scary, but praying will always alleviate that sense of anxiety. It helps with setting your intentions, staying focused, and trusting yourself for what will come.
Also, even if you do not manage to bag a medal for a press conference, you at least gained new experience that will be helpful for the upbringing of your writing and journalistic journey.
About the Author
Dalem Roswell C. Sipin is a 2-year DSPC qualifier and this year competing for the DSPC finals, as he swept his opponents in the DSPC eliminations. Currently, he is a Science and Technology Writer for his school’s publication, “The Link.” However, he is also flexible as a Filipino writer, with Science and Technology as his preface.
