JMC: 216 Feature Writing

Lecture 4 & 5: Rationale for writing features

Instructor: Ms Lunjalu

The main concept of a feature article revolves around a thorough investigation of a particular

subject, which distinguishes it from standard reporting and clarifies its intent.

Unlike a news article, a feature article aims to both inform and entertain its audience. It offers

in-depth insights, personal stories, or expert opinions, all while ensuring a smooth and engaging

reading experience.

Feature articles have traditionally accompanied hard news stories but now also serve to inspire,

enhance, provide context, and promote a wide variety of related content.

Characteristics of a featured article

 Narrative Style: Employ storytelling techniques to engage readers and enhance the

narrative. The narrative aspect is crucial; it allows feature writers to utilize various tools to

tell their stories, while emphasizing the importance of quality writing and originality

(Topping, 2014). As Brian Carroll mentions in Writing for Digital Media (2010), “the

emphasis on strong writing remains unchanged.” However, there are noticeable changes.

A key development in feature storytelling is the rise of multimedia tools, which have

emerged with the transition to digital (or hybrid print/digital) formats. Feature writers,

along with teams including reporters, photographers, illustrators, data scientists, web

designers, and marketers, can now incorporate elements like videos, images, animations,

interactive data visualizations, infographics, and more into compelling story presentations.

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 Initially, multimedia features were infrequent and expensive, seen as significant

investments for established news outlets. Nowadays, the technology is more accessible,

allowing savvy journalists without coding or design expertise to create and publish high-

quality multimedia content easily, even with tight deadlines.

 Human Interest: Center stories on individuals, locations, and noteworthy or captivating

events. Show different perspectives or experiences related to the news.

 In-Depth Coverage: Provide rich sensory details about a subject, often requiring extensive

research.

 Opinion-Based Facts: Skillfully combine objective data with subjective opinions to create

a smooth and engaging narrative.

 Logical Organization: Arrange content coherently, ensuring smooth transitions between

paragraphs and sections.

What makes a feature work?

Simple writing leads to easier reading. This means using short sentences, clear vocabulary, active

verbs, personal touches, and smooth transitions. Engaging elements and a memorable conclusion

should also be included.

 Short Sentences:

For modern audiences, news articles should have sentences averaging 15 to 20 words for

clarity. Sentences longer than 30 words can be difficult to follow.

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 Short Paragraphs:

Keep paragraphs brief and varied in length ranging from one word to five sentences. Long

paragraphs look daunting in narrow columns and are generally disliked by both editors and

readers.

 Simple Words:

Opt for short, straightforward words instead of longer, complicated ones with the same

meaning. If a technical term is necessary, offer a clear and simple explanation.

 Personal Touch:

Using words like "you," "we," or personal names creates a more relatable tone. While this

approach is common in feature articles, it's effective in engaging readers across different

types of stories.

 Active Verbs:

Use action verbs to create momentum in your writing, as they engage readers more

effectively than passive verbs.

 Transitions:

These words help to connect thoughts, illustrate points, or extend arguments. Examples

include "and," "furthermore," "moreover," and phrases like "as a result" or "finally" which

clarify relationships between ideas.

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  Building Interest:

Make the subjects of your writing relatable by providing quotes and focusing on human

interest elements.

 Kicker:

The conclusion of your feature should offer a memorable punchline, leaving a lasting

impression after the initial hook captures the reader's attention.

Market for features:

1. Print Magazines: Traditional magazines continue to publish feature articles, often

focusing on lifestyle, culture, and human interest stories.

2. Online Publications: Websites and digital magazines have become popular venues for

feature articles, allowing for multimedia integration and interactive content.

3. Blogs: Many independent writers and content creators use personal blogs to publish feature

articles, often focusing on niche topics that resonate with specific audiences.

4. Social Media: Platforms like Medium and LinkedIn allow writers to share feature articles

with a broader audience, leveraging social sharing to increase visibility.

Skills Required in feature writing

1. strong writing and editing skills

2. excellent communication skills

3. Creativity

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4. Research & Investigation – Conducting in-depth research, fact-checking, and verifying

sources.

5. Interviewing – Asking insightful questions and drawing out compelling responses.

Structure of feature stories:

A feature story consists of four main sections: Lead, Nut Graph, Body and Conclusion.

In contrast to news articles, which prioritize information by presenting the most critical points first

in a hierarchical manner, feature articles demand a different structural approach that guides readers

through a complete narrative journey.

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 The Writing Hourglass Concept

The Writing Hourglass serves as a framework for crafting compelling feature stories. The narrative

begins with a lead that draws in the reader, establishing emotional engagement and presenting a

thematic focus known as the nut graph. This is the pivotal juncture where the reader's

understanding of the article crystallizes, encapsulating its essence.

Flowing from this nut graph, the story's body provides depth and context, effectively supporting

the central theme through a variety of examples, sources, and anecdotes. This distinguishes the

narrative's foundation; essential for creating a fulfilling conclusion that often culminates in a

resonant quote or poignant anecdote.

A critical aspect of this structure is the interconnectedness of all elements within the hourglass.

The transition from the lede to the nut graph must facilitate a seamless progression, ensuring the

reader sees the logical linkages. After establishing the core theme in the nut graph, the body

expands on these ideas, while maintaining coherence with the premise originally introduced.

Nothing should deviate from the confines of the hourglass; all narrative threads must remain

tethered to the outlined framework.

The conclusion wraps up the narrative, allowing it to settle and reinforcing the overall message,

thereby providing a sense of completion and satisfaction for the reader. This structure not only

enhances clarity but also enriches the storytelling experience, enabling a nuanced and engaging

read.

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A. LEAD

A lead is the opening paragraph of a news article that conveys the essential information clearly

and concisely while engaging the reader's interest. It should give a clear overview of the article's

content, so if a reader stops after the first paragraph, they still understand the main message.

Crafting a compelling lead can be challenging and time-consuming, so it is important to dedicate

enough time to this task.

Components of a lead:

 The Five W's and H:

Before writing your lead, ask yourself the fundamental questions of journalism: who, what,

when, where, why, and how. Make sure to address these elements in your lead, reserving the

less critical details for later in the article. Keep in mind the inverted pyramid structure, where

the most vital information appears first.

 Keep It Simple:

A good lead should be straightforward. Think carefully about your story's core message and

express it in a simple yet impactful way. Avoid using complicated language or unnecessary

filler words to ensure clarity.

 Don’t Bury Your Lead:

Your lead serves as the hook that draws readers in. If you obscure this crucial information, you

risk losing their interest. Readers should immediately grasp the essence of the story from the

beginning.

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  The ABCs of Journalism:

Always prioritize Accuracy, Brevity, and Clarity (the ABCs) throughout your article,

especially in your lead. This approach ensures that your writing is both effective and engaging.

Types of Leads

There are many other types of leads, each suited to different topics and tones (e.g., serious,

humorous, melancholic, etc.). After gathering all the necessary information to write a story,

consider which type of lead would be the best fit.

1. Summary Lead

A summary lead is the most common and traditional lead in journalism. It aims to provide a quick

summary in as few words as possible, typically consisting of one sentence. This lead usually

includes most of the 5 Ws (who, what, when, where, why) and the H (how).

This type of lead is often used in breaking news. For instance, a story about a city council vote

might use this straightforward “just the facts” approach. Summary leads typically answer the three

or four most important of the 5 Ws and H. Historically, this type has been used to relay who, what,

when, and where. However, in today’s fast-paced media environment, a simple recitation of the 5

Ws can feel outdated by the time a newspaper is published. To adapt, some newspapers now post

breaking news online as it occurs, while the print edition features more evaluative and analytical

stories focused on why and how.

2. Single-Item Lead

This lead focuses on just one or two elements from a summary lead, aiming to deliver a stronger

impact than a standard summary lead.

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3. Delayed Identification Lead

The terms “burying the lead” or “delayed lead” refer to a lead placed later in an article. In a delayed

identification lead, the “who” is not immediately identified because it is not deemed as crucial. For

example, instead of immediately naming a school board member who punched the president, a

descriptive pronoun is used, with the specific name revealed later in the article. This type of lead

often sets a scene or evokes a mood through an incident, anecdote, or example, compelling the

reader to delve deeper before uncovering the main story.

A buried lead might suggest that the writer struggled to identify the most newsworthy aspects of

the story, potentially reflecting poorly on their journalistic judgment. In feature stories or soft news

that utilize more dramatic storytelling techniques, leads are sometimes buried to create suspense

or surprise.

Anecdotal Lead

Beginning a story with a brief anecdote can engage readers. The anecdote should be interesting

and closely related to the article’s larger point. If this approach is taken, specificity and concrete

detail are essential, and the broader significance of the anecdote should be explained within the

first few sentences following the lead.

Creative Lead

A creative lead aims to capture the reader's interest when a summary lead might not be effective.

Short Sentence Lead

This lead utilizes a single word or short phrase as a teaser, with the rest of the lead appearing

later. It is often considered gimmicky, so it should be used sparingly.

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Analogy Lead

An analogy lead draws a comparison between an issue or event and something more familiar to

the reader.

Contrast Lead

To break monotony, a narrative can be split into two sentences; one highlighting a humble

beginning and the other describing the hero's recent triumph.

Analysis Lead

In an analysis lead, a journalist synthesizes and analyzes important information to provide a

more contextual introduction to the story. This type of lead helps audiences understand current

events better. For example, in a local election story, a reporter might begin with a focus on the

prospective legislation a candidate seeks to enact and how their election could change the city

and impact its residents in the future.

Blind Lead

A blind lead sets a scene or tells a story without immediately revealing the who or what, building

tension, establishing tone, or generating audience interest. For example, it may start with details

about the supporters’ sense of euphoria and surprise before introducing the winning candidate.

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B. NUT GRAPH

The "nut graf" (short for "nut paragraph") tells readers what your story is about and where it is

headed. It summarizes key information and transitions from the lead into the rest of your story.

Beginning with an interesting element instead of using the inverted pyramid structure can help

clarify your topic, giving readers, viewers, and listeners the big picture. The nut graf clearly

states the main point of the story and presents its angle.

According to Poynter, an organization that trains journalists, the nut graf serves several essential

purposes. Its primary responsibility is to contextualize the most important facts of the article and

provide readers with a clear understanding of the story’s angle. The angle represents the

journalist's perspective on the central issue or topic. For example, in writing about a new city

zoning law, a journalist might focus on how the change will affect the character of a

neighborhood or who stands to gain or lose the most.

Purposes of a Nut Graph

- Justifies the story by explaining why readers should care.

- Provides a transition from the lead, clarifying its connection to the rest of the article.

- Often highlights the timeliness of the story.

- Includes supporting material to illustrate the story's significance.

- Reveals the destination or the essential theme of the story.

- Sets up the supporting material to explain the remainder of the story.

- Explains why the story matters, encouraging readers to engage with it.

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C. BODY

When composing the lead for your article, it's critical to provide readers with additional context in

the body. This section serves as a platform to delve deeper into the subject matter, adhering to the

inverted pyramid structure by presenting information in descending order of significance rather

than a strictly chronological format. Less crucial details should be reserved for the conclusion,

allowing for potential editorial cuts without compromising the core message.

Incorporate both direct and indirect quotations to substantiate your points, ensuring an objective

tone throughout. Maintain a third-person perspective, omitting first and second-person pronouns

commonly found in opinion-driven writing. Strive for brevity with concise sentences, organizing

them into paragraphs of three to four sentences each.

The body not only expands on the theme introduced in the nut graph, but it also articulates the

intricacies of the story.

To avoid a disorganized middle, adhere to these guidelines:

1. Fulfill the Nut Graph Promise: Deliver the essential information you indicated in the nut

graph succinctly. Strike a balance—meet, but do not exceed reader expectations. Focus on relevant

knowledge rather than comprehensive details.

2. Prevent the Muddle: While strong introductions and conclusions are well recognized, the body

often suffers from disarray. Treat the body as segmented, likely comprising one to seven distinct

sections, each with a clear focus.

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3. Utilize Subheadings: If the body consists of multiple sections, employ subheadings to segment

content, ensuring clarity and guiding reader navigation.

Wurman’s acronym LATCH serves as a guideline to structure your work effectively. The five

organizational methods are:

- Location: Organize content geographically (e.g., by regions or countries).

- Alphabet: Arrange information alphabetically.

- Theme: Approach the topic through categorical divisions.

- Chronology: Progress through a sequential timeline.

- Hierarchy: Structure from most critical to least important details.

Once engaged, it’s essential to guide readers through the narrative, detailing the “why,” “who,”

and “how.” The subsequent paragraphs should underpin the introduction with pertinent facts,

evidence, and background information. Aim to include at least one intriguing point in each

paragraph to maintain reader interest.

Depending on the chosen structure, features can incorporate subtitles, statistics, expert insights,

anecdotes, and specific names or dates. The integration of sidebars, breakout boxes, visuals, and

diagrams can enhance the narrative and break up lengthy passages, creating visual interest and

capturing the attention of those browsing the publication.

Features prioritize vivid description, demanding creativity from the journalist. Utilize stronger

action verbs in place of adjectives, which often fail to elicit emotional engagement. Verbs like

“guzzled” or “devoured” create impactful imagery.

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Employing active voice infuses the narrative with immediacy and accelerates the delivery of

information. The feature serves as an opportunity for journalists to experiment with rhetorical

devices and sentence variety. Skillful use of similes and underappreciated metaphors enriches the

scene, while varying sentence lengths can establish a captivating rhythm.

D. CONCLUSION

In crafting a high-quality feature article, the conclusion must hold equal weight to the introduction.

It serves as a cohesive thread that unifies the entire narrative, necessitating the journalist to allocate

an equivalent amount of effort to this section as to others. Readers who have engaged with the

article thus far deserve a rewarding culmination. This is the stage where the adept journalist

addresses any inquiries posited throughout the piece.

The conclusion should be both strong and succinct, acting as the definitive statement that

encapsulates the core message and reinforces the evidence presented. Editors particularly value

conclusions that provoke thought and encourage discourse, as these can significantly enhance

reader engagement and retention.

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 What to Avoid in Feature Writing

1. Flowery Language: Many beginning writers often make the mistake of overusing adverbs

and adjectives in their leads. Instead, focus on using strong verbs and nouns.

2. Unnecessary Words or Phrases: Be cautious of unintentional redundancy. For instance,

saying "2 p.m. Wednesday afternoon" or "very unique" is excessive. It's important to avoid

wasting space in a news story, especially in the lead. Trim the clutter and get straight to the

core of the story.

3. Formulaic Leads: Since a lot of news writing is done under tight deadlines, there is a

strong temptation to rely on clichéd leads. Resist this urge. Readers seek information but

also appreciate engaging content. Your lead should sound authentic rather than mechanical.

4. Starting with "It": Most editors discourage leads that begin with the word "it" because

they lack precision and can confuse the reader.

Further Reading

1. Writing a Feature Article - 1. Researching, Writing and Presenting Information - A How To

Guide - LibGuides at St Clare's College

2. Crafting Compelling Feature Articles: A Step-by-Step Guide • Journalism University

3. Ricketson, M., & Graham, C. (2018). The State of Feature Writing Today. Asia Pacific Media

Educator, 28(2), 205-217. https://doi.org/10.1177/1326365X18811528

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