Speeches! Sex! Sales Advice!

This class had it all, with topics ranging from covering speeches to a scintillating discussion of the online pornography business.

But first we'll start with speeches. Of course you are going to want a compelling lead, and if the person is as famous or more famous, or even slightly less famous than Edward Murrow you should include the name in the first sentence. Also, summarize the main point of the speaker.

"The second paragraph should include strong quotes," said Professor Christine C. Lawrence, of American University's School of Communication. Good quotes have to do with senses.

The third paragraph should tell you the background- the where, when and why

For the rest of the article, pick 3 main points, explain them, and put in some good quotes to back it up.

Next we moved into Professor Lawrence's monologue on the decline of newspapers, in which she handed out not only a depressing tale of an industry run amok but also life advice. "Don't give it away for free," she said, and that just doesn't apply to newspapers. We discussed the financially-savvy porn industry which newspapers would do well to model. Also the Wall Street Journal does well online selling stock information, presumably to a different market than the porn-watchers.

Important! Go to the American Forum last night at 6:30! I hope you read this soon. If you don't make it to the event, don't panic, it will be online in the coming days. Also, there is some speculation it might end up on YouTube, but that report is unconfirmed. Charles insisted I include in this blog the fact that he would be working the cameras for the Forum, as he only brought it up 20 times or so in class. We're all very impressed, Charles. After watching it, write about it for Thursday. If you don't finish by Thursday or see another event, have it ready for when we come back.

Also, we have a midterm on Thursday. We will be writing two news stories in the forms that we have learned. Good luck!