FEATURE WRITING

FEATURE WRITINGFeature WritingKey function is to humanize, to add color, to educate, to entertain, to illuminateNews is meant to inform; feature is meant to entertainWhat is a feature story?Afeature storyis a special human interest story or article that is not closely tied to a recent news event. It goes into great detail regarding concepts and ideas of specific market interest. (Wikipedia)

An 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. (Okoye)

What is a feature story?...an insight into a trend or an issue or personality. ...It enlightens the reader about that trend or issue or personality in a broad context. It uses specific examples to illustrate that trend or issue and puts them in a broad framework that allows the social, economic, corporate and/or political implications to shine through, whether sectoral, national or global. (Reuters Handbook of Journalism)Hard News vs. Soft News(based from Helpful Hints for Journalistic Writing, The Writing Center, Clarion University of Pa., 2009and Lets write a feature story! by Don Ranly, Ph.D., Missouri School of Journalism)Hard News(NEWS WRITING)Lead: 5 Ws & HCurrent newsFollows inverted pyramid (most vital information to least important)Written in third personHeadline tells usually about the lead or what the news is aboutMeant to informSoft News(FEATURE WRITING)Focus: Who, what & whyDoes not need to be currentNarrative (beginning, middle and end)Can be first or second person personHeadline focuses on the theme of the storyMeant to entertainHard News vs. Soft News(based from Helpful Hints for Journalistic Writing, The Writing Center, Clarion University of Pa., 2009and Lets write a feature story! by Don Ranly, Ph.D., Missouri School of Journalism)Hard News(NEWS WRITING)Presents information in short paragraphs (one sentence-one paragraph)Based on facts (detailed; no heavy descriptive language)ObjectiveStraight to the pointSoft News(FEATURE WRITING)2-3 sentences/paragraph (clear and concise sentences)Based on facts (descriptive and colorful writing; has writers own individual style and tone)Not necessarily objective; allows for viewpoint and voiceDelayed (keeps readers curious)Types of FeaturesInformative feature Gives information on subject of current interest. This feature is usually based on interview and research. Human Interest Feature It deals with minor incidents that deserve attention because of dramatic, humorous, tragic, sensational, or unusual (odd) angle of the story. This kind of feature story appeals to the emotion, it may have a lesser news value but it enjoy wide readership because of its human appeal. Types of FeaturesNews Feature It gets its materials from current events, covering details that were omitted by the news. Howto feature It gives information on the process of doing things and how certain products are made. Personal Experience This tell of some unusual true to life experiences written in the first person account.

Types of FeaturesPersonality Sketch Silver screen celebrities, political figures, athletes, beauty titlist, these are the popular choices for personality sketch. As we all know people are interested in people, so much so, articles written about them, especially about their private lives, and secrets are much sought after and read by their fans.Humorous Feature The primary objective of feature stories is too entertain and what is more fitting than making people laugh and be relieve of the stress of life while reading your article.

Types of FeaturesInterpretative Feature This feature helps the reader understand the background and significance of social, economic, political and other problems of everyday life. Seasonal or Holiday Feature Subject are events celebrated once a year. Travelogue An account of ones travel experience and a vivid description of places visited

How to Write FeaturesSteps to writing a feature articleBrainstorm ideasWhats the purpose?Research the topicGrab the readers attentionKeep that attentionLeave an impressionChoosing Your AngleThink of the angle (point or theme) as your approach to the story.Is the story of interest to the audience?Does the story have holding power (emotional appeal)?What makes the story worthy of being reported?The theme answers the question, "So what?"

Writing the LeadA lead block of one or two paragraphs often begins a featureRather than put the news elements of the story in the lead, the feature writer uses the first two or three paragraphs to set a mood, to arouse readers, to invite them inside Types of LeadsQuick Bursts Lead a series of direct statementsPound for pound king. Greatest Filipino boxer, etcSurprise Lead an eye opening beginningThe greatest fighter in the whole world is from a third-world country.Contrast Lead an opening with opposites or differencesMayweather is unbeaten, still many consider Pacquiao to be better than him despite Mannys imperfect record.Figurative Lead an opening figure of speechManny Pacquiao is the Pambansang KamaoTypes of LeadsAllusion Lead an opening reference to literatureLike a diamond in the rough, Manny Pacquiao was plucked from the slums.Expert Lead an opening quote from expertFreddy Roach says, Manny is the greatest fighter in the world becauseSuspense Lead an open ended beginningThe only thing Manny lacks to be considered as the best boxer ever isQuestion Lead an opening question What makes Manny Pacquiao into a global icon?MAINAM NAMANG MAALIS kami sa ilog, kung ganyan namang nagbabaha, siyempre kailangan din yung buhay ng mga anak ko kaso wala kaming magawa, sapat lang yung upa namin, housewife Virgie Venus, 33, narrates as she peers over the window showing her family and neighbors home submerged in Planters Berm Floodway, Cainta, Rizal. Virgie currently stays with her husband, Nelson, 40, and her kids in an evacuation center near their area.A few blocks away from where Virgies family lives, Manay Openg Robles, 50, together with her husband Sigfredo, 53, and their three children also abandoned their home and sought refuge in a small hamburger stand near their house.

Flawed Controls Gelina Rose BongonPhilippine Collegian, Tomo 90, Blg. 10, Agosto 24, 2012Nut GraphA paragraph in which the main points of a story are summarized. Nut graphs are often used in conjunction with delayed [leads] on feature stories. A feature story may begin with a delayed [lead], often featuring description or an anecdote, that can last several paragraphs. That is then followed by a nut graph that outlines the main points of the story. (Tony Rogers, About.com)Nut GraphThesis statement of your storyWhere the feature writer lays out for the reader exactly what the story is all aboutUsually in the third or fourth paragraphExplains the reason the story is being writtenProvides vital information while it educates, entertains, and emotionally ties an audience to the subjectThe Venus and Robles belong to the 195,000 families whose homes along the waterways of Metro Manila and Laguna Lake are threatened of demolition, owing to President Benigno Aquino IIIs instructions to Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Rogelio Singson to blast these houses if the residents do not leave within a certain period.

Flawed Controls Gelina Rose BongonPhilippine Collegian, Tomo 90, Blg. 10, Agosto 24, 2012Body of the FeatureImportant components include:Background informationA paragraph or two of background should be placed high in the story to bring the audience up to dateThe thread of the storyConnect the beginning, body and conclusion of the storyBecause a feature generally runs longer than a news story, it is effective to weave a thread throughout the story, which connects the lead to the body and to the conclusionThis thread can be a single person, an event or a thing, and it usually highlights the theme Body of the FeatureImportant components include:DialogueMay be used to keep a story movingIn feature reporting, it must be accurateCan give readers strong mental images and keep them attached to the writing and to the storys key players Voice The "signature" or personal style of each writerVoice is the personality of the writer and can be used to inject color, tone, subtle emotional commentary into the story.Voice should be used subtly Wrapping it UpThe ending will wrap up the story and come back to the lead, often with a quotation or a surprising climax.Often, a feature ends where the lead started, with a single person or event. Evidently, the issue of floods in Metro Manila, stretches beyond the existence of informal settlements in waterways. After all, the poor would rather risk living with the threat of calamities that occurs infrequently, rather than gamble their daily welfare to uncertainty. It would take the government more than building housesor blasting shantiesto permanently end the plight of the urban poor.

Flawed Controls Gelina Rose BongonPhilippine Collegian, Tomo 90, Blg. 10, Agosto 24, 2012

Photography: Jiru Nikko M. Rada Philippine Collegian, Tomo 90, Blg. 10, Agosto 24, 2012Photography: Jiru Nikko M. Rada Philippine Collegian, Tomo 90, Blg. 10, Agosto 24, 2012

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