Elon School of Communications represented at high school journalism conference

Seven faculty and staff from Elon University’s School of Communications participated in the Journalism Education Association/National Scholastic Press Association National High School Journalism Convention Nov. 6-9 in Washington, D.C. More than 6,100 students attended the conference.

Colin Donohue, coordinator of student media and an instructor in the School of Communications, and Maggie Mullikin, coordinator of graduate outreach and special programs, ran a sponsorship table Nov. 6-7. They talked to several high school students and advisers about the School and the university.

They were joined at the convention by Bryan Baker, Naeemah Clark, Anthony Hatcher, Dan Haygood and Max Negin, all of whom offered sessions that covered a variety of topics.

Baker, coordinator of video projects, presented two sessions about video interviews and audio.

• How to shoot a video interview
  “We will discuss proper methods and equipment options for shooting a video interview. Topics will include preproduction, exposure, framing, lighting, sound and postproduction.”
• Sound for digital media
  “Explore the world of digital audio and how sound is used to tell stories in the fields of broadcast and cinema. Topics will include storytelling, tracking, mixing, dynamics, sound effects, foley and ADR.”

Clark, an associate professor, discussed student leadership.

• Becoming a Contemplative Student Leader
  “How might students mold themselves into successful leaders? One trend emerging in workplaces is that of contemplation—purposefully planning and envisioning success. In this session, students will participate in exercises they can use to manifest success by making personal mission statements, vision boards and journals.”

Hatcher, an associate professor, led a discussion about contextual writing via social media.

• Writing with Context on Social Media
  “Want to write a more complete and informative news (with the shortest number of words) across social media platforms? Learn how to go beyond a skeletal description and use crowd sourcing when appropriate to take the pulse of the public on a hot topic.”

Haygood, an associate professor, presented sessions about branding and unique advertising techniques.

• Branding Your Publication or Online News Site
  “How is your newspaper, magazine, yearbook, online news site perceived at your school? Attend this session to learn more about branding your school media.”
• Creativity in Advertising
  “The ad space is sold. The deadline is looming. Do you have time to do more than place a logo and company address inside a box? Absolutely! We will examine several creative ads and discuss seven design principles to make your advertising more attractive and readable.”

Negin, an assistant professor, talked about the art of the video interview and sports journalism.

• Art of the Interview
  “Beyond homework and excellent questions, what are some simple techniques you can use to set up an aesthetically pleasing interview? This session will explore the basics of setting up a video interview. We will look at a variety of examples and some common mistakes.”
• Research and Relationships for the Sports Journalist
  “If you are given an assignment to tell a story, how do you get information and develop contacts so your story will stand out from the others? Explore how a sportscaster can effectively gather information and make contacts to deliver exceptional stories.”
• Finding Your First Sports Journalism Job
  “Your career may be a few year away, but you may begin planning for a job in sports journalism now. This session will explore some strategies that have worked for some folks who have made the leap into the professional sportscasting ranks.”

About the National High School Journalism Convention

The convention is a semiannual gathering of high school journalists and advisers. It features hundreds of practical and professional learning sessions in addition to write-off contests and Pacemaker awards. The educational experiences are geared toward all media types—newspaper, online, broadcast, yearbook and magazine—and include topics useful to both students and advisers.