This worksheet is designed to help you think out the content of your news release before writing. The most important part of clear writing is clear thinking.

1. The “lead,” or opening sentence: Jot down, in one sentence, the news in a nutshell. What’s the most important/ exciting thing that will happen because of your program or grant? Is there a key detail you should include?  (Remember: If this is a grant announcement, use the official Grant Write-up and Agreement as your primary source.)

2. Second paragraph; the bigger problem to be solved: What is the context? What larger problem is being tackled? Jot down a detail or two giving background about the issue or program at hand.

3. The quote: Jot down a few names of people you might want to quote in the release. The head of your organization? An official from your funding organization? Another key player? Who can best explain why people should care?  Tip: When you go to get the quote, be sure to ask: “Why does this grant matter?” You can ask for quotes from several people. But then, you need to choose the one (two, at most) that sings – a clear, compelling, persuasive point, said in everyday language.

4. More details and background: Jot down further details about how this program will work, who will be affected, and what will be accomplished, when.

5. Official background on your organization/ the funder: Find the official background from your web site or literature that briefly describes the who-what-why of your organization. The background for your funder can usually be found on its Web site. Knight Foundation offers information about boilerplate language, logos and deadlines at www.knightcommunications.org.

6. Further information: Be sure to include, at the bottom of the release, names/ numbers/e-mail addresses/ Web sites for people to go to for further information. One should be from your organization. Another should be from the funder's communications department.

7. Headline: Now that you clearly see the details of the story you want to tell, write a brief (6-12 words) headline that captures the story’s essence. The headline should tell the story in sketch form, using concrete language.

Congratulations! You now have the rough outline for your news release. Now, write a draft, paying attention to guidelines and tips you have read in the News Release Workshop.