Writing to Reveal the Truth: Accuracy Without Exaggeration

A woman secretly writing about the commotion in the medical institution | Image FX

At its heart, writing to reveal the truth is about honoring facts with empathy, crafting stories that respect reality without exaggeration, and trusting readers to embrace honest narratives.

The information available in the media today can be oversaturated. Therefore, writing to reveal the truth is crucial in helping those who seek facts about what is happening. However, people in the virtual world might encounter news or headlines that are exaggerated or over-dramatized, which can mislead them. Amidst this noise, there are responsible writers (journalists, bloggers, and historians) who still honor accuracy in presenting the information.

As readers, it is crucial to let the power of truth provide us with the knowledge about the world. One compelling example of the pursuit of honest storytelling is Patricia Lubeck’s Asylum Scandals. This book reveals the dark truth about the history of two of Minnesota’s oldest state hospitals. In these hospitals, people were committed involuntarily and were never released. Asylum Scandals provides insight into what happened within the walls of state hospitals from 1867 to 1915. Through her methodical approach and empathy for the victims, Lubeck sets a standard for writers aiming to uncover events that have been buried in history without exaggeration.

Exposing Injustice: Without Sensationalism: The Asylum Scandal

In Asylum Scandals, Patricia Lubeck dives into the murky past of two state hospitals in Minnesota. Using documented accounts, such as archives and interviews of descendants, she aims to reveal the truth with clarity and evidence. Even if these facts are uncomfortable, Lubeck still showed what the people must know.

Through her book, Lubeck presents a historical retelling that is neither hyperbolic nor overdramatized. Instead, she lets the truth speak for itself, trusting that her readers are intelligent and empathetic enough to draw their conclusions. She provides an example of ethical writing that presents a story as it is, not as we wish it to be.

The Line Between Drama and Documentation

While writing about an event that occurred in an old institution, writers may feel pressured to enliven the narrative. But the effective writing to reveal the truth does not require drama. Exaggerating the story may distort the overall message that the writer intends to convey, affecting public understanding. If you are writing a blog, documentary, memoir, or investigative essays, you should stick to the facts that should foster trust and hold authority.

Expository writing plays a vital role here. This method is not about expressing opinion or rousing emotion; it is about explaining and informing. Expository write-ups should not shout. Instead, they should give the public the information they need to know. When you use this method correctly, your writing can become a powerful tool in creating a change.

The Rule of Integrity in Modern Journalism

Modern journalism is in a state of flux. You might have noticed the rise of people reporting on current events. Sometimes the lines between reporting, commentary, and entertainment all exist adjacent to thin lines. With this, one principle must remain unwavering: writing to reveal the truth.

We must also take note that the growing demand for truthful narratives in journalism reflects a public that is weary of clickbait and hungry for in-depth reporting. Right now, you might have learned that audiences tend to be smarter, especially when they are exposed to the plethora of information on the internet cloud. Having a well-informed audience means that a certain number of readers can already identify which pieces of information are factual and which are deceptive or driven by clout.

Telling the Story Without Telling a Lie

So, do you know how to tell powerful stories without being influenced by fiction? The answer lies in uncovering facts through diligent research, interviews, and verification. You should also know that it is essential to write down the truth about an event, as it not only helps people stay informed but also ensures accuracy. It also preserves history.

Documentary storytelling is a genre that blends artistic presentation with journalistic ethics. This type of storytelling may embellish the truth, but it still shows the raw, human reality behind policies and headlines.

Blog writing may sometimes use the method of embellishing the truth to entertain. However, it should still provide authentic information to carry as much impact as a televised exposé. If you are the type who loves writing blogs, it is still best to let the truth talk, especially when handling topics such as mental health, politics, or cultural shifts.

Writing with Compassion, Not Condescension

Another often-overlooked quality in writing that reveals the truth is empathy.  Writers can show compassion in their write-ups. When writing an expository piece, compassion should not compromise the truth, recognizing that you will address sensitive topics. Instead, you can use the power of compassion to enhance your piece. As the writer, you have to approach your subjects with humility and care. For example, an abuse survivor may open up more when you listen without much judgment.

As a writer, you must avoid being condescending when putting out information. Your piece should not alienate your readers by using overly elaborate language, especially when you’re incorporating highfalutin words and jargon. To let your writing be heartfelt and honest as you try to strike a chord with diverse audiences.

Tips for Writers Who Want to Write Truthfully

On your way to writing helpful storytelling? Here are your guides to stay committed to factual and honest stories:

1. Verify. When writing an article, you should verify the facts first, especially when they sound too perfect to be true.
2. Use real sources. Good write-ups use primary sources over secondary summaries.
3. Clarity is crucial. Don’t exaggerate your language. If you can, stay away from jargon or define it when using it.
4. Be transparent. If your information comes from a secondary source, be transparent and clearly state whether it’s a rumor or unconfirmed.
5. Respect the audience. Tell the truth. Your readers do not like the drama.

The Long-Term Value of Writing Honestly

Honesty is always the best policy. It may not always be the fastest route in creating a compelling piece, but know that your audience is seeking the truth. Give it to them, then! Be credible! Writers like Patricia Lubeck remind us that writing to reveal the truth can shape policy, inspire reform, and restore dignity to those who have been forgotten by history.

Interested in learning more about the dark secrets of two of the oldest state hospitals in Minnesota? Get Patricia Lubeck’s Asylum Scandals.

Do you know that honest writing can create a lasting legacy? If your write-ups provide the truth, they will convey a message that will last for generations to come.

Final Thoughts: Truth is Power

When trying to prove a story, you must know that truth will power you up. Writing to reveal the truth is not just an option; it is an obligation. Facts matter. Integrity matters. Unembellished truths matter. Truth is power. Make use of it.