Years ago as a reporter in Washington, D.C., I watched the New York Times reporter covering issues before Congress and noticed how few notes he took. He used a small flip pad, and jotted down a couple of things on each page. I wondered how he got the story right, but the next day when the newspaper came out, he always captured the main points and wrote the article from an accurate perspective.
Taking solid notes is tremendously important to writing a thorough story that best reflects reality. It’s hard to do. When you take fewer notes during an interview, it’s logical that would detract from the final product.
But, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to adhere to the “smaller notepad” perspective. I have a standing joke with a friend about bringing a tiny notepad with me wherever I go. Someone blabbing away says something noteworthy and I write it down. A unique web site is mentioned and I want to check it out, so I scribble it on paper for future reference. And so on.
The tiny notebook fits in my pocket. If I wear a sports jacket, it slides right in. It’s handy. It gives me confidence that I won’t miss something.
If you look for new ideas or want to remember something important later, carry a little notepad around. You can frame your next story, save an idea, awaken yourself to a perspective you hadn’t considered. Write it down and make sure to read it when you get back to your office.
Taking solid notes is tremendously important to writing a thorough story that best reflects reality. It’s hard to do. When you take fewer notes during an interview, it’s logical that would detract from the final product.
But, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to adhere to the “smaller notepad” perspective. I have a standing joke with a friend about bringing a tiny notepad with me wherever I go. Someone blabbing away says something noteworthy and I write it down. A unique web site is mentioned and I want to check it out, so I scribble it on paper for future reference. And so on.
The tiny notebook fits in my pocket. If I wear a sports jacket, it slides right in. It’s handy. It gives me confidence that I won’t miss something.
If you look for new ideas or want to remember something important later, carry a little notepad around. You can frame your next story, save an idea, awaken yourself to a perspective you hadn’t considered. Write it down and make sure to read it when you get back to your office.