How to Tell a Story as a Foreign Correspondent - NBCU Academy

Summary

In this insightful video script, Martin Fletcher, a retired NBC News foreign correspondent, reflects on his career in journalism. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling in news reporting, noting that it’s not about the facts alone but about connecting with people through their personal stories. Fletcher discusses how to find compelling characters and the need to balance accuracy with creativity to keep both experts and ordinary viewers engaged. He highlights the significance of simplifying complex events, making stories relatable, and taking the audience along on a journey, all while maintaining compassion and authenticity in reporting.

Takeaways

• 😀 A good motto for storytelling: 'smola, smola' or 'left, left' means that turning away from the obvious can lead to finding compelling stories.
• 😀 To make an impact, storytelling should focus on people's lives, emotions, and relatable experiences.
• 😀 Framing a news event as a personal story helps it resonate better with audiences and makes it memorable.
• 😀 Storytelling in journalism is about finding characters and understanding their journey, even in the most unexpected places.
• 😀 Journalism requires creativity in both reporting and presenting facts accurately to keep both experts and general viewers engaged.
• 😀 In foreign correspondence, stories often focus on human experiences, such as survival amidst conflict, rather than on political details.
• 😀 The importance of caring about the people you're reporting on is central to good journalism. This empathy drives compelling stories.
• 😀 Effective storytelling requires taking the audience on a journey, keeping them engaged, and making them care about the characters involved.
• 😀 Journalistic writing needs to be clear, concise, and impactful. Every word should serve a purpose and contribute to the story.
• 😀 In reporting, it's crucial to find the story yourself, even if it differs from what is expected or planned. The real story is often in the unexpected details.
• 😀 The best stories are those that illustrate the personal impact of larger events, making the audience relate to the human experience behind the headlines.

Q & A

What does 'smola, smola' mean, and how is it related to storytelling?

'Smola, smola' is a Hebrew phrase meaning 'left, left.' The motto suggests that wherever you are, regardless of what's happening around you, if you turn left, you'll find a story. The idea emphasizes how stories are often discovered by looking at unexpected places or perspectives.

Why does Martin Fletcher emphasize the importance of storytelling in news reporting?

Martin Fletcher believes that storytelling is crucial because it makes news events memorable. Instead of focusing on facts or technical details alone, telling a compelling story helps people connect emotionally and remember the information being presented.

What does Fletcher mean when he says, 'You have to find a story that resonates'?

Fletcher is emphasizing that a good story in journalism is one that people can relate to emotionally. By focusing on human stories, reporters can engage audiences more effectively and make complex events more understandable.

How does Martin Fletcher suggest reporters find characters for their stories?

Fletcher suggests that reporters should look beyond the main action and engage with people on the periphery, such as talking to cameramen or producers, to discover unique personal stories that might not be immediately obvious.

Why did Fletcher decide to follow the story of one man during the war in Kosovo, instead of focusing on the 10,000 people returning home?

Fletcher chose to follow the individual because his personal story of returning home to discover the gender of his newborn child provided a more human and emotional narrative. It highlighted the personal stakes amid the larger conflict, making it more relatable for viewers.

How does Fletcher balance accuracy and creativity in his reports?

Fletcher stresses the importance of being both accurate and interesting in reporting. He imagines two types of viewers: an expert who cares about the details, and a casual viewer who might not be interested in the specifics but still needs to be engaged.

What challenges did Fletcher face while reporting on the Siege of Sarajevo?

Fletcher found it challenging to explain the complex and multi-layered conflict during the Siege of Sarajevo, where different ethnic groups were fighting each other, and the names and locations were hard to pronounce. He overcame this by focusing on human stories and simplifying the situation to its basic elements: people trying to survive under fire.

What does Fletcher mean by saying 'television is about experience'?

Fletcher suggests that TV journalism should aim to bring viewers into the experience of the story. By sharing the journey with the audience, such as pointing out significant events as they unfold, reporters can make the experience more immersive and impactful.

Why does Fletcher advocate for focusing on characters and their journeys in a news story?

Fletcher believes that focusing on characters and their personal journeys makes the story more engaging and relatable. Audiences care about the people involved in the events, and by showcasing their struggles and experiences, the story becomes more memorable and emotional.

What advice does Fletcher give about the structure of a news script?

Fletcher advises that when writing a news script, the initial draft should capture the key points, but it’s essential to refine it by removing unnecessary jargon and ensuring that every word adds value. The final script should focus on clarity, conciseness, and emotional resonance.