Using words with care

Keith Woods' session was invaluable. His words on language and how it can bemisinterpreted is a lesson all journalists must learn. As journalists, we have a duty to be accurate and fair. In order to do that, we must be careful with the words we use in our reporting, interviewing and writing. Keith, who is dean of faculty at The Poynter Institute, touched on the issue of the tension among races and how messages can be distorted and misperceived by reporters and editors who fail to provide context for what people say. I will remember what Keith said and be aware of the language I use and the messages people are trying to convey.