feature_writing__instructions.pptTraditional non-fiction form
- a more creative form of storytelling
- designed to entertain as well as inform
- use the writing techniques of fiction
- human interest is key to selling them
- anything goes for a feature
- if it captures readers’ attention
- and let them know about the story
*
Three sections of features
Lede
must be crafted to lure readers and make them want to learn more
Middle
must hold their interest, while leading to an ending
Ending
just as important as lede
*
Structure of feature articles
- similar to three-act play
- complication, development, resolution
- lede should contain best material
- can be anecdote, descriptive scene
- Wall Street Journal’s “diamond” style
- start with anecdote to get into story
- then comes “nutgraf” with 5Ws, theme
- weave narrative & exposition
- ending can be open or closed
- but all key questions must be answered
*
Tip: Draft an outline
- even the simplest outline can save you hours of writing time
- simply write down the major points of your story from start to finish
- to remind yourself of what goes where
- try juggling this list on your computer
- cut and paste until the story is balanced
- and the order seems right
*
Components of a feature story
Primary sources
ie. interview material
attributed accordingly
- direct and indirect quotes
Secondary sources
background material
- gained from research
- must also be attributed
*
Basic interviewing principles
Preparation – there is no substitute
impress your interview subject
let them know that you know something
- and that they can’t fool you . . . easily
Establish rapport
let them know (or think) that you’re OK
- and that you wouldn’t “burn” or trick them
Ask relevant questions
have a few prepared. . . .
*
Basic interviewing principles (con’t)
4. Listen and talk attentively
- non-verbal cues important
My personal suggestions:
Be alert – we need more lerts
think on your feet
- be prepared to deviate from your list
- ask supplemental, follow-up questions
Herd your subject toward the barn
don’t let them wander off-track
*
Types of interviews
- News interviews
- usually done on the fly
- Telephone interviews
- where you’ll get most of your quotes
- Sit-down, Q&A, taped interviews
- rarely done these days
- “Man on street” interviews (streeter)
- more common these days
*
Different strokes for different folks
- Size your subject up
- Will flattery work best?
- Or will they see right through that?
- Should you level with them?
- And play the “straight shooter?”
- Keep your eyes on the prize
- the goal is to get them to open up
- and not to “clam” up
- get them to say things they might not
*
On the record or off?
- There are two ways to do it:
- Establish ground rules at the start
- Everything is on the record
- Unless we agree it isn’t first
- Wait until first time the subject comes up
- Can be either before or after statement
- Then set the ground rules
- Don’t go off record retroactively
- “That was off the record!”
- “Oh no, it wasn’t!”
*
Interviewing tricks of the trade
- Things to try:
Play dumb
Pretend you know less than you know
Encourages subject to open up
Pretend you know more than you know
To get secrets out of your subject
Then backtrack and get them to elaborate
The Colombo technique
“Just one more thing. . . .”
*
More tricks of the trade
4. Save the tough questions until last
in case the interview ends . . . suddenly
make sure you ask everything else first!
5. Ask questions strategically
they need not be central to story
can divert subject from your true intent
6. Take notes strategically
subjects take cues from this
*
Confirming quotes
- interview subjects have some rights
- eg. to ask what you will quote them on
- and to offer follow-up info
- or deny saying that, etc.
- but not the right to see your story
- before it is published
- that’s not ethical
- set these as ground rules
- if and as necessary
*
Short feature assignment
- 1,000-1,500 words = 3-5 pages
- due by last class Sept. 13
- you may submit a first draft by Sept. 6
- you must come up with a topic
- and get it approved by Aug. 15
- you must interview three sources
- transcribe all useable quotes by Aug. 30
- you should write this for publication
*
Possible feature topics
- may be similar to newspaper features
- profile of faculty member, coach
- profile of a small business
- here or in your home town
- profile of your home town
- its economy, industries, etc.
- entertainment feature
- profile of performer, musical group, etc.
*
Ethical guidelines
- No conflicts of interest
- No interviewing friends, relatives, coaches, teammates
- Must provide phone numbers, email addresses of interview subjects
*
