Observation is vital to newsgathering. It creates a more accurate story and connects the reader to what is really happening.

Plan but listen to the answers, too, and see what other questions those raise.

So, what do you make of that?

A lesson from experience: record the conversation.

When it comes to observing people and watching the world go by, there is no place like ‘home’

Humans are naturally nosey about the world we live in, including our way of speech, our mannerisms, and physical communication toward each other. Observation is a main source for a good news story.

After conducting my first interview, I found that asking people personal questions about their lives is not as easy as it seems. I found this tip helpful, and hope that you will too. i

Coming to terms with the idea that in reporting I have a right to ask questions–some of them seemingly personal and obtrusive and about families’ losses

Describing something is harder than you think–what kind of chair are you sitting in right now? Blue, red, brown? Lots of cushion or none at all? A good description helps make everything more understandable.

I have a very descriptive writing style, and to some degree I expect that style from other writers as well. Here's why.