03 theme copy that works
TRANSCRIPT
Creating Theme Copy that Truly Has Voice
Lizabeth A. Walsh, MJE
Theme copy attributesJust like regular writing, theme copy has traits
VoiceOrganizationIdeasConventions
Voice (the tone or Voice (the tone or attitude)attitude)
Clear
Tied to the words of the theme
Connected to the design of the book
OrganizationOrganization
Thoughts need to flow logically from one to the next
Transitions are important
Introduction, body, conclusion
Opening, divisions, closing
IdeasIdeas What is important enough to go in
here?
Where do we find ideas for theme-related copy?
Should someone be quoted? If so, who?
Remember to be concise. Don’t use three words if two will do.
ConventionsConventions AP style still rules the roost.
Punctuation, spelling, grammar- even more important when copy is in larger type and mistakes are easier to see.
Pick a person* and stick to it. (*see voice) 1st person- I, me, my, mine, we, our, ours 2nd person- you, your, yours, you’re 3rd person- students, people, he, she, it, his,
hers, him, her, they, them, their, theirs, they’re
Note graphic elementson cover
Exterior case blocks part of message and alters its meaning
Suffix “less” alters meaning
Handwritten font
Deconstructed bold all-caps type
Note graphic elementson cover
Reversed type with textured font
Orange & red blocks of color
Tiled photos depicting spiritedstudents
Sans serif, all cap type
Angled, pattern lines
How to get there…Theme should be specific to your
school, your year, and your students.Use a thesaurus & an idiom
dictionaryPlay with (sort) words and phrases
Some will be for sidebars, others for theme, a few for both
Brainstorm actual copy using those words and phrases that that stood out as “most important concepts.”
PracticePractice
Theme: It’s About Time
Thesaurus http://thesaurus.com
Idiom Dictionary (print versions work best)
Short list of Outstanding Concepts
Create five sentences of theme copy
More More Theme Copy ExamplesTheme Copy Examples
All materials presented…
Remain the property and copyright of the various owners of the original works. These yearbook samples were presented at BALFOUR workshops for the benefit of their clients and customers.Please do not alter these presentations.Use of these shows is intended only for individual adviser-to-staff classroom teaching, not for publication or reproduction in any form for any type of presentation at a conference, camp, convention, or gathering of multiple schools’ staffs.