The quarterly publication of the International Legal Technology Association
Issue link: https://epubs.iltanet.org/i/43128
A Little Dubya'll Do Ya: Who, what, where, when and why: Those five W's have been the classic tools of journalists for ages, and they provide a solid framework as you start to map out your story. Not everything you write will have the same tone or voice as a reporter chasing a hot lead on a crime story, but you'll need to cover all your information bases, regardless of your topic. In this attention-deficit- disordered world where everyone is vying for your eye, you'll have to move well beyond the five W's to find your chops in writing. Let's look at the other W's and the questions they raise: • Worth: Is the idea you're presenting worthy of your reader's attention? • Wit: Does your substance and style convey your intelligence to the reader? • Warmth: Can your reader relate to you? • Whimsy: Is there enough "fun" to keep the reader engaged? • Weight/Waste-Free: Do you get to your point(s) clearly and quickly? Of course, your writing should NOT be weird, woefully- weak, wonky, word-wasteful or wrong. And if it is, you're a "wascally wabbit." Peer to Peer the quarterly magazine of ILTA 19 Your words are powerful; respect the weight of what you write, and wield your authority very carefully.