Adob Digital Video Curriculum Guide

Module 1 13
ADOBE PRODUCTION STUDIO CURRICULUM GUIDE
Writing in the active voice forces your students to get out of their writing rut. Instead
of saying the same old things in the same old "to be" passive way, they will select new
active verbs and constructions. They'll write more conversationally and with a fresher
and more interesting style.
That's not to say that they'll write exclusively in the active voice. They should write, "He
was born in 1984," or "She was injured in the accident" because that's what people say.
Focusing on active voice will make your students’ copy more interesting and easier to
understand.
Mackie Morris
M A C K I E M O r r I S ' W r I T I N G T I P S
Few, if any, media consultants match Mackie Morris' 25-year record as a journalism and
communications seminar leader, teacher, coach, and practitioner. Founder and president of
Mackie Morris Communications, he works with a wide range of corporate and public service
clients to enhance their communication skills.
Previously, Morris served as chairman of the Broadcast News Department in the University
of Missouri School of Journalism. He later worked as a vice president and lead consultant for
Frank N. Magid Associates, a major media consulting firm, where he implemented a series of
instructional workshops for broadcast professionals. Morris continues to be one of the most
sought-after broadcast-writing seminarians ever.
The Good Writer's Dazzlin' Dozen
At his seminars, Morris relentlessly drives home his active-voice message. But peppered
throughout his presentation are other useful writing tips. He calls them "The Good Writer's
Dazzlin' Dozen":
• Write factually and accurately. The best technique and the finest form mean nothing if your
copy's wrong.
• Write in the active voice. This technique will make your copy tighter, complete, easier to
listen to, and more interesting. Do whatever you must to avoid the passive voice.
• Write in the present or present perfect tenses. They make your copy more immediate, and
immediacy is more interesting. Avoid the word today. If you use past tense, make sure you give
a time reference to avoid confusion.
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