Newswriting Guidelines

Organization (the Inverted Pyramid) People have a tendency to tell stories

chronologically. ...
Lead. The start of a news story should present the most compelling information. ...
Fact (Not Opinion) and Attribution. ...
Identification. ...
Short Paragraphs. ...
Person. ...
Headlines.

Guidelines for Newswriting

When delivering information to a general audience, it’s important to write in a clear,
understandable way. The best way to do that is to adhere to newswriting standards.
These standards, which have been used in traditional newsrooms for decades, are
designed to bring readers the information they need in a format that is as efficient
and easy-to-read as possible.

Inverted Pyramid

This is how you should organize your story. That means the most fundamental,
important information (the “base” of the pyramid) goes up at the top, and information
that is less crucial goes further down in the story. To figure out what your base is,
think about the five Ws: Who, What, When, Where, and Why, as well as the crux of the
story. If people only read the first few lines of the story, what’s most important for
them to know? That’s where you should begin.

Lead (Also Spelled Lede)

This is the inviting entry point to your story. Think of it as the introduction, the
establishing shot that tells people what the story is about using the most significant
piece of information. For example, if your lead says X program received Y grant, that’s
not enough. Was it the biggest grant in the program’s history? Did it impact someone
involved in an important way? Think about what will grab people’s attention right at
the start. Ideally, keep the lead to one or two clear and concise sentences.
Nut Graf (or Graph)

This is a critical paragraph that supports the lead with facts. You’ve used the biggest
piece of information up top — the nut graf backs up that statement with details and
moves the story along.

Attribution

Anything that’s not a verifiable fact, like quotes or opinion statements, must be
attributed to someone in the story – don't just let them hang out unsupported.

Identification

When introducing a person in your story, use their full name and title on first
reference, but afterward refer to them by their last name.

 Example: “My students are some of the best and brightest,” said Jane Doe, an
economics professor.
 Later in the story: “I can’t imagine a better place to conduct research,” Doe
said.

Citing External Sources

If another publication has featured one of your programs, professors or students and
you’d like to use a quote or information from their piece, always attribute the name of
the publication and include a link to the article in question. Limit how much you do
this — keep it to no more than three quotes or pieces of information in any given story
or news release.

 Example: “I think the best students are here at Cal Poly,” Professor Bob
Somebody told Major Publication Today. (insert a link to the publication on the
words "Major Publication Today.")

Keep it Simple

Think about how you would explain it to anyone who’s not intimately familiar with the
story subject. If you absolutely must use jargon or technical descriptions that wouldn’t
be familiar to a casual reader, add an explanation that breaks it down for those who
might need it.

Use Short Paragraphs

This helps break up the information to make it easier to read. A paragraph shouldn’t
be longer than 2-3 sentences all centered on the same idea.

Headlines

We like ‘em snappy! This follows the same guidelines as a lead, where you want to
display the most compelling information you have. Try to keep them on the shorter
side (a good guideline stays under 100 characters) and play with the format: use a
compelling quote, a two-sentence headline, even a playful pun or turn of phrase.

Use AP Style
We follow the Associated Press Stylebook for formatting, punctuation, and style. There
are a few Cal Poly-specific exceptions, which you can find in our style guide.

How to Write a Feature Article: A Step-by-Step Guide

Choose an Interesting Angle:
Conduct Thorough Research:
Humanize Your Story:
Create a Strong Lead:
Structure Your Story:
Use Descriptive Language:
Incorporate Quotes and Anecdotes:
Engage Emotionally:

5 Tips for Writing a Captivating Feature Article

Written by MasterClass
Last updated: Nov 25, 2021 • 3 min read
A feature article blends hard facts with rigorously sourced details to paint a thorough
picture and give a complete story. Learn how to write a feature story with these tips.
What Is a Feature Article?
A feature article is a news story that goes beyond the facts to weave in a narrative
and tell a compelling story. A feature article differs from a hard news story as it
offers an in-depth look at a particular subject, current event, or location to
audiences. A good feature story will keep the reader’s attention until the end,
delivering a fleshed-out narrative and creating a lasting impression.
5 Tips for Writing a Captivating Feature Article
There are various types of feature article writing. Whether your focus is news
articles, investigative features, or human interest stories, all feature story ideas
require a deep level of research—like interviews with people close to the story or
research into extensive background information on a place. Feature writers go
behind the scenes and have a commitment to uncovering the big story beneath the
facts. If it’s your first time attempting feature writing or you’re a freelance writer
looking to improve your feature-writing skills, the following tips can help:
1. 1. Do your research. Feature stories need more than straight facts and
sensory details—they need evidence. Quotes, anecdotes, and interviews are all
useful when gathering information for your own feature story. Hearing the
viewpoints or recollections of witnesses, family members, or anyone else who
could fill in any gaps or missing pieces to your story can help it feel more
three-dimensional, allowing you to craft a more vivid and interesting story.
2. 2. Have a compelling headline. Feature stories rely on a writer’s ability to
maintain a reader’s attention throughout an entire piece, but one of the harder
parts is getting them interested enough to read the story in the first place.
Your headline is the first thing readers are going to see, so it needs to pack a
punch or set up a question readers will want your story to answer.
3. 3. Open with intrigue. If you’ve drawn your readers in with the headline, the
opening paragraph is where you hook them for the rest of the story. The first
paragraph should introduce tension, where you set up the question or
speculation as to why this particular news event is worth paying attention to—
your first few lines give the reader a reason to keep reading.
4. 4. Connect the dots. The feature news style of writing is similarly structured
to how you would write short story fiction, but don’t be afraid to make the
feature story format your own. As long as information blends seamlessly with
your narrative and creates a sequence of scenes connected by an emotional
arc, you’re likely writing a compelling feature article. Even when crafting a
 personality profile, your feature story should include why this person deserves
to be talked about and why the reader should care about them. Each element
of your story should have a purpose—to set the stage for your readers and
convey the main points in a compelling and enjoyable way.
5. 5. Make sure it pays off. If you’re going to spend time crafting a tense setup
for readers and putting in the hard work of gathering facts and info from
reputable sources, the reader should feel like there is a point to it all. The main
body of your feature article should answer questions, provide specific
information, and include the payoffs the reader has been gearing up for. Even
if the situation in real life has no ending, there must be a conclusion to your
piece that feels satisfying to your audience, like they’ve been told a complete
story.
6.
How To Write A Sports Report in 4 Easy Steps
Using quotes in Sports Reports. Ideally, any sports story would have quotes from the
winners and losers. ...
Intro. The most important news aspect of a sports game is the score. ...
More info. The above is enough for those who have a passing interest in the sport. ...
Quote. ...
The rest.

Sports Writing: Types, Examples, and

Tips for Better Reporting
by Yen Cabag | 30 comments
A sports enthusiast’s love for the game can include everything from the
preparation and anticipation, to watching the actual game, enjoying replays
and highlights, and discussing everything about the game afterward—
including the teams, the coaches, and their favorite (and not-so-favorite)
players.
Sports writing plays a huge role in stirring up expectations and giving fans
the information they crave about the people behind their favorite sport.

What Is Sports Writing in Journalism?

Sports writing is a form of creative nonfiction or journalism that covers
sports, athletes, or other sports-related issues. A journalist who reports on
sports is called a sportswriter.
Glenn Stout, editor of The Best American Sports Writing 2015, describes a
good sports story as one that “provides an experience that… takes you from
one place you’ve never been before and by the end leaves you in another
place, changed.”
In the introduction to the 2012 edition of The Best American Sports
Writing, Michael Wilbon says that the best sports stories are those that
come from conversations, and not from formal interviews. These people may
be reluctant or poor conversationalists, but they often turn out the best
stories.

What Are the Elements of Sports Writing?

Sports writing typically covers basic information, such as:
 highlights of the game
 the names of the teams involved
 the type of sport
 score or final outcome
 when and where the game was played

But in order to write a good sports article, remember to focus on what an

athlete does. Because sports revolve around the drama of competition,
spotlighting a single person gives your story a human side that your readers
can relate to.

5 Types of Sports Stories

The following are the five most common types of sports stories:
1. Straight-Lead Game Story
The most basic form of all sportswriting, the straight-lead (also spelled
straight-lede) game story is an article using a straight-news format. The
article summarizes the main points of a game: which team won or lost, the
final score, and what a star player did.
A straight-lead might look something like this:
Second-string quarterback Robert Jameson threw the game-winning
touchdown with just 10 seconds left to lead the Mountain View High School
Bears to a 21-14 victory over the Canyon del Oro High School Captains
Saturday night.

After that, the story follows by giving an account of big plays, players who
contributed tremendously to the final outcome, and after-game insights,
quoting both players and coaches.
Many high school and college sports use the straight-lead game story, but
sports writers for professional sports events have veered away from this
format.
The reason is that TV already shows the entire game and fans usually know
the scores and highlights before the article makes it to publication.

A sports enthusiast’s love for the game can include everything from the
preparation and anticipation, to watching the actual game, enjoying replays
and highlights, and discussing everything about the game afterward—
including the teams, the coaches, and their favorite (and not-so-favorite)
players.
Sports writing plays a huge role in stirring up expectations and giving fans
the information they crave about the people behind their favorite sport.
What Is Sports Writing in Journalism?
Sports writing is a form of creative nonfiction or journalism that covers
sports, athletes, or other sports-related issues. A journalist who reports on
sports is called a sportswriter.
Glenn Stout, editor of The Best American Sports Writing 2015, describes a
good sports story as one that “provides an experience that… takes you from
one place you’ve never been before and by the end leaves you in another
place, changed.”
In the introduction to the 2012 edition of The Best American Sports
Writing, Michael Wilbon says that the best sports stories are those that
come from conversations, and not from formal interviews. These people may
be reluctant or poor conversationalists, but they often turn out the best
stories.
What Are the Elements of Sports Writing?
Sports writing typically covers basic information, such as:
 highlights of the game
 the names of the teams involved
 the type of sport
 score or final outcome
 when and where the game was played

But in order to write a good sports article, remember to focus on what an

athlete does. Because sports revolve around the drama of competition,
spotlighting a single person gives your story a human side that your readers
can relate to.
5 Types of Sports Stories
The following are the five most common types of sports stories:
1. Straight-Lead Game Story
The most basic form of all sportswriting, the straight-lead (also spelled
straight-lede) game story is an article using a straight-news format. The
article summarizes the main points of a game: which team won or lost, the
final score, and what a star player did.
A straight-lead might look something like this:
Second-string quarterback Robert Jameson threw the game-winning
touchdown with just 10 seconds left to lead the Mountain View High School
Bears to a 21-14 victory over the Canyon del Oro High School Captains
Saturday night.
After that, the story follows by giving an account of big plays, players who
contributed tremendously to the final outcome, and after-game insights,
quoting both players and coaches.
Many high school and college sports use the straight-lead game story, but
sports writers for professional sports events have veered away from this
format.
The reason is that TV already shows the entire game and fans usually know
the scores and highlights before the article makes it to publication.
2. Feature Game Story
The feature game story is a favorite tool for professional sports writers
because it gives fans and readers a different angle from the highlights they
have seen on TV.
Here’s an example of an actual sports feature lead involving the Queensland
Reds and their rugby coach, Tevita Koloi:
It’s the start of yet another season. The quiet of the night contrasts with the
vibrant group gathered in the upper room of their local church, fervently
praying. As the clock ticks closer towards midnight, the spiritual coach of
the state’s professional rugby team receives an impression from God – “the
last placed team he is mentoring will win the entire league this very year.”
It is a bold revelation, and he grapples with what to do with this.
After opening with this unique angle, the writer proceeds to describe the
prominent rugby coach’s background, as well as what was going on at the
time he had this unusual experience.
And, as is common trait of feature game stories, he only gets to the scores
near the end of the article—which is fine because readers are not looking to
read about the score, which they already know.
Instead, the story gives them a different perspective of the game and the
people involved.
3. Profiles
Whereas a feature game story spotlights a game, a profile features an
individual character. This person might be a rookie athlete rising in the
ranks, or perhaps an influential coach.
To show you the difference between a feature game story and a profile, here
is an example of a real-life personality profile opening of the same rugby
coach Tevita Koloi:
He stood on the bridge, pondering how everything in his life had gone
wrong. After several years of depression, disappointment, abuse and
separation, he had reached the end of his rope and was ready to end it
all. He closed his eyes, readying himself to take this irreversible step. At
that very moment, he heard a seemingly innocuous noise from below,
“Beep-beep! Beep-beep!” He opened his eyes and reached into his pocket
for his phone, intending to read this message before he went forward with
his tragic plan. The words he read, sent from an acquaintance he was not
even particularly close to, shocked him out of his stupor: “Jesus loves you.
He will never leave you. Receive His love.”
The story then proceeds to describe his battle with depression and suicide,
and how he used the same thing that saved him, text messaging, to help
others in the sports world.
4. Season Preview and Wrap-up Stories
Every sportswriter needs season previews and wrap-up stories in their
collection. These stories are published while the coaches and their teams
are preparing for the upcoming season, or after the season has ended—
whether in victory or in defeat.
These stories take a bird’s eye view of the season: they normally share the
expectations that coaches and players have, or how they feel at the end of a
season.
A fictional example of a lead for this kind of story is:
Coach Sandy Miller has high hopes for the Bannerview High School women’s
volleyball team this year. With the Royals being the county champions last
year, led by dynamic team captain Serena Delgado, who continues to lead
the team this year as a senior. “We believe she’ll bring the team to greater
heights this year,” Coach Miller says.
5. Columns
A sportswriting column is the place where a sportswriter shares their
opinion. Sometimes these columns may include venting when a team,
player, or coach doesn’t meet expectations. Other times, they may write
about what they admire in a team, player or coach.
A favorite subject is a coach who is able to direct a weak team to an
unexpected championship, or perhaps an underdog player who
demonstrates unusual determination and teamwork.
Here is an excerpt of a column from The Sports Column:
For me, head-to-head competition is the most significant indicator for
seeding, but not to EIWA coaches.
When coaches use rules/regulations to protect their interests, then athletes
suffer. To make a three-time All-American–a proven wrestler–a 4-seed
behind an opponent he has defeated…well…that’s bad for everybody. And
to make things worse, the only other seeded wrestler who has qualified for
the Nationals (Jared Prince of Navy), is seeded #5, opposite Kolodzik. None
of the other six seeds have had such success this year.
Sports Writing Examples

The best sports writers are able to convey the sense of awe readers feel
when watching a game.
However, sports writing is not limited to simply describing a game: it may
also profile an athlete or unveil important news surrounding a key character
in a sport, such as reports of abuse.
Example #1. From “Roger Federer as Religious Experience”
(2006) by David Foster Wallace:
A top athlete’s beauty is next to impossible to describe directly. Or to evoke.
Federer’s forehand is a great liquid whip, his backhand a one-hander that he
can drive flat, load with topspin, or slice — the slice with such snap that the
ball turns shapes in the air and skids on the grass to maybe ankle height.
His serve has world-class pace and a degree of placement and variety no
one else comes close to; the service motion is lithe and uneccentric,
distinctive (on TV) only in a certain eel-like all-body snap at the moment of
impact. His anticipation and court sense are otherworldly, and his footwork
is the best in the game.
Example #2. From “Most Dominant Athlete of 2018: Simone
Biles” by Danyel Smith:
The only thing greater than the legendary, genius, paradigm-shifting athletic
status of Simone Biles is the degree to which so many don’t know or can’t
understand what it is that she actually does. Even if you’ve seen Biles doing
a split leap on a box of Special K, you likely don’t know the depth of her
determination to dominate. Some of it is that Biles competes in an odd,
ancient Greek sport based in “disciplined exercise” that conquering Romans
militarized and people now barely pay attention to outside of Summer
Olympic years. More of it is that it’s the American female gymnasts who
excel.
Example #3. From “Everyone Believed Larry Nassar” by Kerry
Howley
It has by the fall of 2018 become commonplace to describe the 499 known
victims of Larry Nassar as “breaking their silence,” though in fact they were
never, as a group, particularly silent. Over the course of at least 20 years of
consistent abuse, women and girls reported to every proximate authority.
They told their parents. They told gymnastics coaches, running coaches,
softball coaches. They told Michigan State University police and Meridian
Township police. They told physicians and psychologists. They told
university administrators. They told, repeatedly, USA Gymnastics. They told
one another. Athletes were interviewed, reports were written up, charges
recommended. The story of Larry Nassar is not a story of silence. The story
of Larry Nassar is that of an edifice of trust so resilient, so impermeable to
common sense, that it endured for decades against the allegations of so
many women.
How Do You Write a Good Sports Lead?
A lead is the introductory section of a news story, intended to hook the
reader into reading the full story.
To write a good sports lead, first pick which of the 5 types of sports stories
you would like to write. The type of story you choose will determine the lead
you write.
If you opt for a straight-news story, pick a highlight from the game you are
writing about and focus on that in your first paragraph.
If you choose a feature or profile, pick something that stands out about the
team or person. Think of a scene that best describes the characteristic you
want to highlight. Do you describe a practice session? A game huddle? Or an
after-game interview?
For a season preview or wrap-up story, pick a sport you love and describe a
broad perspective of an upcoming season or the season that just wrapped
up, beginning with the best teams.
For or an opinion column, find one angle that you would like to express your
opinion on and that you feel passionate about.
Writing About Sports
Writing about sports is not only exciting, but it also gives us a chance to get
to know the people in our favorite sport and share those findings with our
readers.
Excellently written sports stories make these characters come alive, letting
fans connect to their favorite teams in a more meaningful way.