COLORING OUR WORLD WITH REPORTING VERBS

Did you ever notice how changing one word can impact how you feel about a subject? I just shared a lesson about a reporter telling a news story. They used verbs like "declared, alleged, implied" instead of simply "said." These reporting verbs were being used not just to make the story more interesting but to lead the hearer in a direction. To give them a positive or negative reacton about what was being said. Sometimes they do this with adjectives as well. Next time you listen to the news think about the words they are using to tell the story and see if they give you a feeling. Many times it is not good news so keep that in mind.

We have an expression: Is your cup half empty or half full? In other words are you looking at things through a negative lens or a positive one? The news media likes drama. Have you ever noticed how they look happy to share something horrible? People having a long happy marriage is not news to them, but an acrimonious divorce is so much fun. And sometimes they even take sides. That is not their job.

I remember when news reporters were more like journalists and tried to be more objective. If they were not then we labled it yellow journalism. Historically yellow journalism was used to increase circulation of newspapers. A story would start with a sensational headline. Then add a exageration to draw attention. Rarely would you get the whole unbiased story. Remember a half truth is a lie. And there is no such thing as a white lie. True blue is what I want to hear. Or I may be red hot angry.

Reporters need to let us think for ourselves. Not sure if the story is true? Listen for the "reporting" words to see if they are leaning one way or the other. Look at other sources.

Sometimes I go on a media fast. I leave the phone and ipad in my office and go outside. Then my head clears and I have peace restored. Wishing you some peace-filled days as well!