Interview for 060426

Mr. B. is an instructor in the NMC department with 35 years of experience in the journalism field. He answered with a resounding “absolutely,” when asked whether one’s writing affected one’s influence and impact. As a newspaper editor, he looks for “powerful, clear and to-the-point expressions that state a case as quickly and convincingly as possible.”
Although I doubt he knows Dr. C., he would surely agree with him that grammar is a “measure of intelligence.” Mr. B. described, “correct usage and grammar,” as suggesting “care, intelligence, and thoughtfulness.” In his eyes readers judge a person from their writing in the same way that they would judge them from their clothing in a face-to-face encounter. Even more important maybe is his conviction that properly formulated questions will tend to be rewarded with “careful, intelligent and thoughtful responses.”
“Clear and concise,” is the name of the game for Mr. B. The newspaper “is not a medium that accepts a lot of throat-clearing, diversions and asides.” Writers should make their story compelling as well. The lead [first paragraph] should be the “most telling or grabbing element,” in order to hook the reader’s interest. From then on it should “flow smoothly and logically, not bump along aimlessly.” The readers should never have to try and connect the dots on their own.
What he looks for in his students’ writing is “powerful, compelling prose with a strong human component.” Newspapers tell stories, and if they don’t convey strong human emotions through compelling personal details they won’t cut it. Occasionally the facts will speak for themselves, “But far more often, its up to the writer to mine the gems from the slag and polish them up for the reader.”