Journalism: A Social Art
A lot of writers tend to look at their work as being a solitary pursuit. Much of the actual pen-to-page labor doesn't involve interaction with other people, so this may be true for authors and poets. Journalism is an entirely different animal. While a career in journalism begins and ends with the ink, there is an undeniable social component in the middle. As such, there are certain skills beyond word-crafting that can make or break one's life as a member of the Fourth Estate.
Image is Everything
In the field, there is no story if no one will talk to you. Being taken seriously as a journalist by the people who live the stories you cover is essential. When approaching someone for a quote, a reaction or an interview it is important that you look like a professional. Leave the t-shirts, the jeans and the ratty sneakers at home. When you're on the job, consider the entire world to be your office.
It's also surprising how far the right paraphernalia can take you. Covering an event can be made that much easier by letter other people see you with your pad and paper, your camera or your audio recorder. At a lot of events the people there want to be heard and seen. Projecting an image of a journalist on the job will get people to approach you just as often as you approach them, and even more so when you look like a reputable professional.
Always Ask for a Press Kit
No matter what event, business or individual you're covering for your story, always seek out the print literature. Ask for press kits, brochures and business cards. Even if there is no press kit, as is often the case, simply asking for one will let the people in charge know why you're there. This can get you access to places and persons of interest that you otherwise wouldn't. Later, when you're actually writing your article, having this printed info can help you fill in the gaps of your own notes.
Take More Notes Than You Will Ever Need
For every 1000-word article (that's feature length), you know you're doing well if you've taken between five and ten pages of notes. These include quotes, details, points of reference and anything else that pops into your mind while you're doing your research. If there is a table of refreshments at the event, list the items on it. Leave no detail without mention. Chances are you won't include that information in your article, but more is always better than less when it comes to available information.
Do Your Pre-Event Research
If at all possible, don't go into an event without some background. Know the relevant individuals, the history and the intent of whatever you're covering. If you're conducting an interview, get to know your subject as much as you can before you even shake his or her hand. If you have prepared questions (and you should), practice them.
Be Prepared to Adapt
Journalism is the art of observing life. This means that things will never go exactly according to plan. However well-prepared you are, new and unexpected things will pop up in the field. Do whatever you can to stay flexible and mobile. Make sure you can carry new items and information with you beyond the note pad and recording device you normally carry. Be willing to devote more time than you initially planned to your period in the field. Never decline an opportunity to go deeper just because you didn't budget for it.
Network
In every story, other stories exist. Talk to as many people as possible and gather information whether or not it's relevant to your current project. Journalists have to make their own work, so that means using new contacts to develop new stories. Nothing happens in a vacuum, it's just a matter of knowing how to run into the next event while covering the current one.
