Many writers and journalists have different styles of writing and use those styles in order to capture the attention of their readers. However, what determines whether or not a journalist is effective is the way he/she is able to implement his/her respective style in order to attract readers. Some reviewers or journalist are more effective at accomplishing this then others and that’s what separates them as the elite.
In his review, A Play That Will Not Come to Dust While It’s a Troupe’s Lucky Charm, Ben Brantley reviews the play Cymbeline and begins by giving a couple of details as to the plot of the play. He gives the reader a glimpse of the play without giving away the entire play, because if that was the case why would one want to see a play if he/she already knows what will occur. He uses many descriptive words and phrases, such as “credibly portraying incredible feats of derring-do” and “bringing elaborate battle scenes to life,” to give the reader a sense of what to expect while watching the play. By doing so he is able to establish an emotional relationship with the reader and connect to him/her in a more effective manner. He then goes on to give us some details about the set of the play and the cast that starred in it. Brantley ends his review by offering his personal opinion on the piece and by noting some aspects of the play he really enjoyed. He comments that the actors didn’t goof around and that they were able to portray the piece in a way that “the play itself really was the thing.” In my opinion, Brantley wrote an excellent review on the play and not only described its plot, but was also able to establish a connection with his readers.
Neil Genzlinger, discusses the play “Temporal Powers” in his review, A Couple’s Big Break That’s Not So Lucky. He was able to draw me in by beginning his review with a question, however, as I continued reading I realized that he was not as effective as Ben Brantley. Genzlinger starts off by bringing up another play performed by the same company and gives a comparison between the two. He then goes on to summarize the play without lending his opinion as to how he felt while watching the play. Genzlinger failed to establish a connection with his audience and ruined the entire play for the people who were interested in seeing it. He finally ends off by offering his opinion on the piece, but it is too late. By summarizing the play he has lost the attention of the reader and has established his review as an ineffective one.
As you can see, the technique a writer decides to use is very important and can establish him/her as a great journalist or one who is unsuccessful. Reviewers must pay careful attention to the style and methods that they choose to use because it can either lead to their success or their downfall.
