Lesson 4: Feature writing

• Feature Story


  an article that focuses on certain people, places, events or subject matters like careers, relationships, money, health, lifestyle, among others.

  primarily banks on special human interest that may or may not be closely tied to a recent news.
• Okoye, 2012


  in-depth and factual write-up on a topical issue which seeks to give comprehensive information in a more captivating and relaxed style than straight news
• Reuters Handbook of Journalism


  an insight into a trend or an issue or personality. It enlightens the reader about that trend, issue or personality in a broad context.
• News Story 


  Starts with lead composed of five W's and H

  Timely and inverted pyramid. should follow It is objective and straight to the point.
• Feature Story


  Mainly focuses on who, what and why. It is narrative (beginning, middle and end). It is written in first or second person point of view.
• Feature Story: Characteristics


  Variety of subject matter

  Variety of tones

  Variety of form and style

  Well-organized

  Strikes keynotes in a first Sentence

  May or may not be timely
• Variety of subject matter


  feature can take any topic under the sun
• Variety of tones


  entertain than inform.
• Variety of form and style


  Feature stories may use any form and styledepending on the writer's judgement to captureeasily the reader's attention.
• Well-organized


  feature story is actually an essay. It follows general format of having an introduction, body, and ending.
• Strikes keynotes in a first sentence


  The secret of arousing reader's attention is tointrigue him at the beginning.
• May or may not be timely


  Feature stories skips immediacy.
• According to Dr. Don Ranly of Missouri School of Journalism in his discussion on"Helpful Hints for Journalistic Writing"


  When writing a feature story, one should distinguishits main aim: entertain. It should be based on facts. It is notnecessarily objective, since it allows for theviewpoint and voice.
• Types of Feature Stories

  Informative Feature

  Human Interest Feature "concerned story"

  News Feature

  Seasonal or holiday Feature

  Travelogue

  Science and Technology Feature

  Historical and Cultural Feature

  Lifestyle Feature

  Entertainment Feature
• Informative Feature


  gives information on subject of current interest.This feature usually based on interview and research.
• Human Interest Feature "concerned story"


  deals with minor incidents that deserve attentionbecause of dramatic, humorous, tragic, sensationalor unusual (odd) angle of story.
• News Feature


  gets its materials from current events, covering details were thatomitted by the news.
• Seasonal or holiday Feature


  This feature include subjects like events celebrated once a year.
• Travelogue


  an account of one's travel experience and vividdescription of places.
• Science and Technology Feature


  concentrated on the latest advancement ofscience and technology with the aim of informing thereaders and arousing their interest.
• Historical and Cultural Feature


  Historical events and sites can provide a sense ofidentity. By comparing the present to the past, theycan see how changed their environment, culture,values and perspectives.
• Lifestyle Feature


  quick change of fashion trends and lifestylesmakes interesting reading.
• Entertainment Feature


  Movie stars, pop singers and show business eventscommon subjects. The goal is to entertain and giverelief to people.
• Feature Story: Sources

  A.News

  b. Magazine articles c. Books d. Scrapbooks E. Experience F. Casual conversation G.Travel H.Familiar places i. Interview J. Observation

  k. Speeches L. Files of old materials like bulletins
• Stages of Writing a Feature Story

  Pre-Writing

  Plan

  Research

  Organize

  Writing Know the level of consciousness knowledge of your audience.

  Post-Writing Edit your article for clarity and grammatical correctness. Refine your sentences and find better choices for words.
• Question


  Raises a question or rhetorical question which the article may or may not try to explore and discuss
• Startling Statement or exclamation


  May be used to compel attention
• Striking statement


  An enticing piece of information in a short punchy format
• Descriptive technique


  Used to draw the reader into the story by creating a strong image in their mind. The words are colorful and concrete enough for the reader to appreciate and feel the ideas presented in the story
• Summary technique


  Sums up the general topic of the story
• Quotation


  There are times that quotation whether overused or not can arrest the interest of the readers
• Important components of the body


  A ) Background information

  B ) The "thread" of the story

  C )Dialogues/Statements D) Voice
• ending the feature story:


  Summarize the key points of the story.

  Straightforward question.

  Offer solutions and recommendations.

  Forecast or predict.

  Appropriate quotations.
• ways to create a snappy, brief and witty title:


  You may use one word title.

  You may use brief question.

  You may use contrasting phrase.

  You may use a description with alliteration.

  You may use one brief sentence.
• Tips for Beginning Feature Writers

  Limit to 500 words or less.

  2.

  Use facts and statistics when appropriate. 3. Use appropriate quote.4. Consider your audience. 5. Consider the medium the feature will appear on.