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For example, this excerpt from the Daily Mirror shows how
blunt the language can be in newspapers. Some headlines can be sensitive for
some, but this is the main aim of the paper – to create emotion within the
reader and entice them to purchase the paper.
Opening the story is perhaps the most important part of the article, as this is where they need to hook the reader so that they will continue. They are succinct and will condense the main gist of the article down. These small opening paragraphs are often snappy and to the point and like the headline will try to grab attention.
The
excerpt above shows an example. The first word seen is “Shocked”, which has
bolded for added
emphasis. Already the reader will be intrigued. The
inclusion of “Liz Hurley” is also hooking the reader as it we have a celebrity
that has been “shocked”. Tabloids exist for this kind of purpose, insight into
the lives of those we see on television everyday. Word choice is also a big influence,
“confronted”; “striking” and “screaming” all give the story a violent, chaotic
tone. Stories with these sorts of themes are often topical as they are
happening every day and both us as readers and the writers are drawn to
negative topics more so than the positive.
Tabloids also strive to develop their relationship with the
reader through synthetic personalisation. This is the use of personal pronouns,
rhetorical and inclusive language to create trust and an almost friendship with
the reader so they are more likely to absorb and take in the ideas and
information the paper puts across. For example, saying “we are not happy”
automatically includes the reader as though they are on board with what is
being said. Rhetorical questions are a way of getting the reader to think about
the story and invite them to state their opinion. Depending on how they are
worded, they can sometimes lead the reader into the same state of mind as the
writer.
Facts/statistics and personal stories are also used to do
this. Facts and statistics are vital almost as people will trust them,
especially if backed up by a professional (doctor, scientist, ect). Personal stories are not common on main
stories, but editorials and columns often include them as people often feel
better about something knowing someone else has been in that situation.
Wordplay and wit are often used in headlines, for example:
This is usually used positively like the instance above, but
it can be used to mock and make the story more scathing, particularly towards
celebrities and politicians depending on public opinion. They inject humour and
because they are informal, they again allow a connection to form between writer
and reader.
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