Downloaded 42 times
Uploaded bySteve Buttry
Writing for Social Media
This document provides guidance on writing for social media. It recommends tweeting during class at least 3 times using hashtags to discuss the topic. When tweeting, keep messages brief under 140 characters and consider images. Opinions are acceptable for some roles but know your organization's policies. Social media can be used as a reporting tool to find sources and verify information. When breaking news, share verified facts and what is unknown. Hashtags help with search and conversation. Crowdsourcing from social media also benefits reporting. Practice condensing ideas into tweets to improve concise writing. Famous speeches and sayings are shown condensed into tweets.
More Related Content
Similar to Writing for Social Media
More from Steve Buttry
Writing for Social Media
- 1. Writing for SocialMedia @stevebuttry LSU Media Writing Class November 2, 2015
- 2. Tweet during class •At least 3 tweets #manship2010 • Use your account & post if you want • Write on laptop or notebook & don’t post if you prefer • No more than 140 characters • You decide content: quote, commentary, question, photo, observation, etc.
- 4. Whatever your platform… • Get to the point quickly • Keep it brief (even if not limited) • Consider images & make writing fit w/ photo or video • Consider tone (what will make people want to RT, share, engage?) • Rewrite
- 5. Opinions in socialmedia • Opinions aren’t inherently bad journalism (editorials, columns, cartoons, commentary, etc.) • Opinions can be troublesome for some journalists in some positions or orgs • Know whether opinions are appropriate for your media role
- 25.
- 26.
- 29. Social media =journo tool • Monitored competition • Found neighbor who tweeted at TV station • Checked neighbor’s Facebook page • Found post w/ neighbor’s email • Reporter tracked down neighbor, got story & more photos
- 33. Social media asa source • How do you know a source is genuine? • How does the source know? • Check photos, location, timeline for context, clues • Ask to call you or connect in person • Grab screenshots
- 34. • Posting toooften annoys friends, fans • No 140 limit but short is best • Good questions start conversations • Engage, don’t intrude • Make a point in 140 • Story can unfold in multiple tweets • Hashtags help more w/ search, conversation • Engagement not as intrusive
- 42. Breaking news onTwitter • Tell unfolding story • Capture the moment • Tweet verified facts • Say what you don’t know • Crowdsource • Use hashtag
- 48. #Hashtag tips • Useexisting hashtag if there is one • Search before launching hashtag (avoid duplication) • Look for secondary hashtagsHashtags help find sources • Use regular hashtags: #GeauxTigers #TakeTheCrown
- 59.
- 60.
- 65. Writing benefits ofTwitter • Paste lead into tweet box. If it’s >140, challenge whether it’s too long • 140 characters gives great practice at getting to the point
- 66. Even in longerwriting … Whether you’re writing a long story for a newspaper or magazine, or a political speech or a book, whatever you write, consider boiling the essence down to a single tweet.
- 67. Franklin Delano Roosevelt @FDR Wehave nothing to fear but fear itself. #NewDeal
- 68. Anne Frank @AnnesDiary Despite everything,I believe that people are really good at heart. #DiaryofaYoungGirl
- 69. President John F.Kennedy @JFK Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country. #NewFrontier
- 70. Rachel Carson @RachelCarson In naturenothing exists alone. #SilentSpring
- 71. Dr. Martin LutherKing Jr. @MLKing I have a dream today! #Freeatlast
- 72. Ronald Reagan @TheGipper Mr. Gorbachev,tear down this wall! #Freedom
- 74. Let’s see (andhear) your tweets
Editor's Notes
- #37 But starting a conversation works much more effectively, as this slide and the next one illustrate.