Affordable and Effective: Coaching Programs For Small-to-Midsize Newspapers


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Useful tips for writers, editors, and journalists on a variety of topics

Praise for Dick's workshops

Newspapers with small staffs and tight budgets have the same aspirations that big papers do. They want to increase circulation with content that engages, provokes and amuses their readers. They want to stimulate discussion and set the agenda for the communities they serve.

Dick Weiss has designed a program that helps editors and writers do just that.

It includes:

  • A written and oral critique of the newspaper's content;
  • Workshops on effective writing and editing.
  • One-on-one coaching sessions with staff members;
  • Follow-up coaching by e-mail.

Newspapers may select any or all of the options.

In 2002, Weiss took his program to the Bloomington Pantagraph and achieved impressive results after a three-day visit with editors and staff.

Some comments e-mailed to him after his visit.

From editor Jan Dennis: "Your efforts are already showing through. (One reporter) in particular, has shown considerable improvement in her writing. She's been personalizing nicely, and showed some flair in a centerpiece today on the community going nuts over the Bears' playoff game. Thanks again, Dick. Let me know when you might be able to come back for more one-on-ones."

Reporter Kathy McKinney: "Thank you for the writing workshops here. It makes writing fun."

Reporter Chris Anderson: "Thanks so much for having spent time with us at The Pantagraph. Your words were not only encouraging but also uplifting and challenging. I want to, and can be, a better writer. Best of all, readers will benefit, too."

Here are the elements of the program:

Critique. Editors send their five best papers from the last month. Weiss looks at the newspaper as a reader would, addressing headlines, presentation, clarity, style and grace. Weiss picks the best stories and discusses what make them work. He finds stories that represent missed opportunities either because they were underreported or were poorly written and offers constructive advice. He prepares a written response and a PowerPoint presentation for the staff.

Workshops. Weiss offers more than a dozen workshops on effective writing techniques, including, storytelling, writing basics, where to find great ideas, and the seven habits of highly effective journalists. All are entertaining and interactive.

One-on-one sessions. Editors and reporters send Weiss samples of   their work a week in advance. A one-hour session addresses a staff member's aspirations and how they mesh with the goals of the newspaper; how to work more effectively with editors; how to develop stories on the beat, how to write clearly and authoritatively.

Ongoing e-mail support. Critiques, workshops and one-on-one session all help to get staff members to reach for new heights. But nothing sustains progress like ongoing support and encouragement from a trusted adviser. Weiss offers coaching by e-mail. Here's how it can work: Reporter A has a story but is stuck on how to approach it. Editor B is working a story that's convoluted and disorganized. Each one sends an e-mail describing the situation and gets an answer back quickly with some ideas for fresh approaches.

Weiss also fields many questions on how to collaborate effectively with higher-ups or subordinates; where to find the best resources to improve reporting, editing and writing skills; and how to chart a career path.

References and prices provided upon request.

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