CST 110: Public Speaking Guide (Annandale)

The Newseum has created a Fairness Meter. The poster is in .pdf format; is the text of the poster (from NewseumED):

Unfortunately, news doesn't come with labels of "FAIR" or "BIASED."  But you can develop your own "fairness meter" by using three key factors to measure how straight or slanted a story is.

Word Choice

Does the story simply present the facts or lead you to make judgments about them?

Example of Leading Language:  The superintendent's pet project failed spectacularly less than three months after she shoved it through the approval process.

Look for:

• Loaded adjectives or verbs
• Patterns of very positive or negative descriptions

Context

Does the story provide the big picture or just a slice of what's going on?

Example of added context: Prior to accepting the role as city transportation manager, Smith received a PhD in urban planning and ran a private limo company.

Look for:

• Historical comparisons
• Explanations about sources
• Related facts or data

Counterpoints

Does the story help you understand multiple perspectives, or only one?

Example of a counterpoint: While supporters say the new tax bill will increase education funding, critics point out that middle-class families will bear most of the burden.

Look for:

• Counterarguments to key claims or conclusions
• Responses to accusations