Lessons Learned From The Poynter Program

By Christine Dellert

Poynter’s High School Journalism Program provided me the first step to achieving my goal of becoming a journalist. The staff at Poynter did more than just teach the technical skills of writing and reporting, they also worked to inspire us to believe we could make a difference with our writing in school, or later in our careers.

Before this opportunity, I wasn’t sure what major I would choose in college.  Now that I've had this experience I’ve made my decision: journalism is what I want to do with my life.

I have always enjoyed writing. However, one of the most important things I learned during the program Is to cherish my writing.  Everyone needs to find his or her own voice.

In high school, I focus so much on analytical writing, a skill I believe is very valuable in print journalism.  But at times, it is important to intertwine poetic phrases and vivid descriptions. After all, even though you are relaying factual news to your reading audience you are also telling a story. Now I think I'll be able to combine analysis with poetry, which I love dearly, in my newspaper writing.

Along with acquiring the art of writing and finding my own voice, I've also learned there is another side to journalism -- the one away from the computer screen.

A journalist must be able to communicate with people in the real world. The interviewing process, though looked upon as a fearful experience by many beginning reporters, is a skill that can be mastered with time and practice. There is a certain level of assertiveness that one must attain when seeking people out.

Reporters need to be comfortable with themselves.  Those whom you question are people too, and they have jobs to do just like you. Empathize with the people you talk to.

Photo by Jim Stem

Students take notes for a story they'll write about a St. Petersburg factory.

Guest lecturer Terry Tomalin of the St. Petersburg Times initiated a crime beat role-playing exercise. By acting out the roles of witnesses and police officers at the scene of the crime, we learned which questions to ask. During the exercise, I found that it is necessary to be spontaneous when conversing with others.

This exercise may be helpful to use in high school journalism classes. Acting out interviews sometimes takes the edge off for students who later have to initiate them outside of the classroom.

I also learned that sometimes the only way to get the story is to do the unexpected. This idea seemed to be a running theme in many of the different seminars. Become inspired with something -- anything -- and look at if from a different angle.  Chances are that if it interests you, other people will want to know about it as well. Be the person willing to take the extra step away from your comfort zone because journalism is not a spectator sport. 

Even in photography, Poynter visual journalism group leader Kenny Irby told students they must be able to write visually. Photographs can be just as effective at telling a story as printed text. By looking at an everyday event in a creative way, you will be able to capture that something extra that sets your story apart from the rest.

And finally, since there is a great deal of censorship in high school newspapers, always focus on your ethical responsibilities as a journalist. You are being given the opportunity to give readers and students an accurate portrayal of what is going on in your school.

Poynter faculty ethics faculty member Bob Steele said: "Be honest, fair, and courageous in gathering, reporting and interpreting accurate information."

Christine Dellert is a writer for the St. Petersburg High School student newspaper. The 17-year-old senior recently attended a 10-day journalism bootcamp as a participant in the Poynter High School Journalism Program.