ABSTRACT
Ultimately, words and phrases are fashioned into sentences, which, of course, are fashioned into stories. Broadcast news writers are frequently told to keep sentences short. There are two overriding principles. First, there is only so much information that the audience can absorb into the brain through the ear at one time. Second, an announcer can read only so many words without gasping for air. As a general rule, a sentence should contain no more than one important thought or idea. All sentences contain many bits of information, but they still should contain no more than one important thought or idea. The most common grammatical sentence in English goes subject-verb-object. Writers should simplify complex sentences and information by dividing the material into more short sentences. A sentence that does not contain critical information about the story is a waste of words and the listener's or viewer's time. Writers should avoid repetition, stay positive, and end strongly.
