As an “insider” in an organization, you will know some things that simply should not be told to people outside the organization.

Think about your family . . . .

The major points of the lecture are:

• In writing speeches and statements, you should remember the principles of broadcast writing.
• Tone is as important as information in writing letters.
• Memos are an important means of internal communication for an organization -- and they way they are written can tell you a lot about the writer.

More lecture notes, etc.

Readings

Read Chapter 9 of Writing for the Mass Media. Make sure you understand all of the concepts and practices discussed there.

Reading room


Simple and direct. In 1986 President Ronald Reagan ordered a series of air strikes against Libya. That evening he explained his actions on national television in a short speech noteworthy for the straightforward nature and simplicity of the writing. For instance, he said

He counted on America to be passive. He counted wrong. I warned that there should be no place on earth where terrorists can rest and train and practice their deadly skills. I meant it.

Read the entire speech. Analyzing and imitating the writing that you find here is a good way of learning how to write in this form.