Take Note of This

Note-taking seems simple: listen, watch and jot down what you'll need for the story. It's such an elementary skill that most journalism schools don't even teach it.

But seasoned writers know that effective note-taking involves a much more complicated set of sometimes simultaneous actions: listening, talking, writing, observing.

You're interpreting what is said -- and listening for what is not said. You're formulating smart follow-up questions. Skilled note-taking also encompasses smells, tastes and emotions -- any information important to the story. Notes must be gathered quickly, clearly and accurately.

Too often, though, this seemingly simple task can often turn to chaos -- a pad full of half-quotes and illegible scribblings, or maybe hours of stenography from a school board hearing. How do you bring some order to that, especially if these notes are for a deadline story?
Develop a consistent system. It can include a tape recorder, but handwritten notes are a must-have backup, and sometimes the only resource on a tight deadline.

Here are some tips for making your note-taking system more accurate, organized and effective:

• Use a notepad with narrow columns.
  Using a notepad with narrow columnscuts the time needed to move from the end of one line to the beginning of the next. A sharp, comfortable pen speeds writing; felt-tips can smudge and drag. If time allows, use pens of different inks to distinguish between speakers or interviews.
  
  
• Invent your own shorthand or speedwriting.
  I mprove speed and accuracy by inventing your own shorthand or speedwriting. Use a period for "the," a comma for "is." Identify the most common words on your beat and abbreviate them (example: U for university). Try one new shortcut until you get comfortable, and then add more to your repertoire. Books on speedwriting and shorthand offer simple exercises to turn long words into a few swift strokes.
  
  
• Use Post-It notes.
  They're great for listing questions. They can be easily moved and can be used for follow-up questions as the reporting progresses.
  
  
• Get focused.
  Before the assignment, write one sentence -- or one word -- that sums up why you have an interest in this story. That may change, but it gives you a starting point and is a simple reminder of why your readers would care about this subject, too.
  
  
• Note relevant conditions.
  Before your assignment, note the time, place and date of your story and any other conditions, such as the weather, that might be relevant to your story.
  
  
• Gather all of the basic information in one place, or circle it.
  In your notebook, gather all of the basic information -- for instance, correct spelling of names, hometowns, occupations, date of birth -- in one place, or circle it. Often, starting an interview with these background questions is a good icebreaker, and a way to ensure you have this information covered.
  
  
• Listen.
  Don't write down everything you hear. Distinguish between information that can be paraphrased -- the who, what and where -- and meaty quotes that explain the why and how.
  
  
• Flag the important.
  When you hear that great quote, put a star next to it, or a bracket or squiggle.
  
  
• Distinguish sources of information.
  Use initials of someone who is quoted. Put your own observations in the margin.
  
  
• Ask them to slow down.
  If someone speaks too quickly, don't be afraid to ask them to slow down or repeat themselves. They'll be grateful you want to get it right. In most situations, you have more control over the pace of the interview than you think.
  
  
• Create down time to digest the story that's unfolding.
  Ask a throwaway question, or use the restroom. Buy yourself time to note a telling detail, or change gears if your initial perception of the story is changing.
  
  
• Let your emotions permeate your notes.
  If your subject makes you cry, or feel like you want to punch someone, capture that quote or action. Great stories don't merely string together quotes; they recreate emotions through a series of powerful images. Think of your notebook not just as a repository for words, but also as an artist's canvas.
  
  
• After the assignment, boil down the story to one sentence.
  The more effort you spend doing this, the less work you will have in going through your notes. A theme statement will help you quickly sort your notes to pick out the most important quotes and information. It also will illuminate what further reporting may be needed. On a long project, theme statements can help keep notes organized and the writing focused.
  
  
• Visualize.
  As you gear up for your next story, imagine yourself taking the kind of perceptive, efficient notes that will turn into a great read. Visualization works for great athletes, successful sales people and many creative thinkers.