🎙️Honors Journalism Unit 10 – Feature Writing and Human Interest Stories
Feature writing is a captivating form of journalism that goes beyond hard news to tell compelling stories. This unit explores the art of crafting engaging narratives that entertain, inspire, and evoke emotions in readers through in-depth coverage of people, events, and issues.
From human interest stories to investigative features, this unit covers various types of feature articles and their unique characteristics. Students will learn essential skills like research techniques, interview strategies, and narrative crafting to create immersive and impactful stories that resonate with audiences.
Focuses on storytelling and human experiences rather than breaking news or hard facts
Aims to entertain, inspire, or evoke emotions in readers
Provides in-depth coverage of a particular topic, event, or person
Employs creative writing techniques (vivid descriptions, dialogue, and narrative structure)
Requires extensive research and interviews to gather information and insights
Often longer than traditional news articles, allowing for more detail and context
Can be timely or evergreen, depending on the subject matter and angle
Types of Feature Stories
Human interest stories delve into the lives and experiences of individuals or groups
Profile pieces offer an in-depth look at a particular person, often a public figure or someone with a unique story
Trend stories explore emerging patterns, behaviors, or phenomena in society
Explanatory features break down complex issues or processes for readers
Provide background information and context to help readers understand the topic
Use analogies, examples, and visual aids to make the content more accessible
Investigative features uncover hidden truths or shed light on controversial issues through extensive research and reporting
Seasonal stories tie into holidays, anniversaries, or other recurring events
Behind-the-scenes features offer readers a glimpse into the inner workings of an organization, event, or industry
Anatomy of a Human Interest Story
Lead captures the reader's attention and sets the tone for the story
Can be anecdotal, descriptive, or a compelling quote
Should hint at the central theme or conflict of the story
Nut graph summarizes the main point or takeaway of the story
Body provides details, background information, and supporting quotes or anecdotes
Follows a narrative arc with rising action, climax, and resolution
Uses descriptive language to create vivid scenes and characters
Conclusion ties the story together and leaves the reader with a lasting impression
Can circle back to the lead or offer a final insight or observation
Sidebars offer additional information or resources related to the main story (timelines, fact boxes, or expert opinions)
Research and Interview Techniques
Conduct thorough background research on the topic, subject, or event
Consult primary sources (documents, records, or firsthand accounts)
Review secondary sources (news articles, books, or academic papers)
Identify and secure interviews with key sources, including experts, witnesses, or people directly involved in the story
Prepare open-ended questions that encourage sources to share their experiences and insights
Practice active listening during interviews and ask follow-up questions to clarify or expand on important points
Record interviews (with permission) to ensure accuracy and allow for direct quotes
Verify information and claims made by sources through additional research or fact-checking
Crafting Compelling Narratives
Begin with a strong lead that hooks the reader and establishes the central conflict or theme
Use a clear and logical structure that guides the reader through the story
Chronological order for stories with a clear timeline
Thematic organization for stories exploring multiple aspects of a topic
Employ vivid descriptions and sensory details to create immersive scenes
Incorporate dialogue to bring characters to life and reveal their personalities
Use pacing and transitions to maintain momentum and flow between sections
Build tension and anticipation leading up to the climax or turning point of the story
Provide a satisfying resolution that ties together the main threads of the narrative
Style and Voice in Feature Writing
Develop a distinct voice that reflects your personality and the tone of the story
Can be conversational, humorous, or serious, depending on the subject matter
Should be consistent throughout the piece
Use figurative language (metaphors, similes, and analogies) to create vivid imagery and connections
Vary sentence structure and length to create rhythm and emphasis
Choose precise and evocative words to convey meaning and emotion
Avoid clichés and overused phrases that can make the writing feel stale or generic
Edit for clarity, concision, and coherence, eliminating unnecessary words or details
Read the piece aloud to check for flow and natural-sounding language
Ethical Considerations
Ensure accuracy and fairness in reporting, avoiding sensationalism or bias
Obtain informed consent from sources, especially when dealing with sensitive topics or vulnerable populations
Protect the privacy and safety of sources, particularly in cases involving minors or victims of crime
Disclose any potential conflicts of interest or personal connections to the story
Avoid plagiarism by properly attributing quotes and information to their original sources
Respect the rights of subjects and sources, including their right to decline participation or withdraw consent
Consider the potential impact of the story on the lives of those involved, weighing the public interest against individual privacy
Pitching and Publishing Features
Identify target publications or outlets that align with the style and subject matter of your story
Research the publication's submission guidelines and editorial calendar to ensure a good fit
Craft a compelling pitch that summarizes the key elements of your story and its relevance to the publication's audience
Include a brief synopsis, potential sources, and estimated word count
Highlight any unique angles or access you bring to the story
Tailor your pitch to the specific editor or department, demonstrating familiarity with their work and interests
Be prepared to revise or adapt your story based on editorial feedback or changing circumstances
Promote your published work through social media, professional networks, and personal websites to attract readers and build your reputation as a feature writer