Angle testing

Definition

Angle testing is a method used in feature writing to evaluate and refine the unique angle of a story idea. This process involves examining various perspectives, themes, and elements to determine how they can make the story more engaging and relevant to the audience. It helps writers to focus on what makes their narrative distinct, ensuring that the final piece stands out in a crowded media landscape.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Angle testing helps identify the most compelling aspect of a story, guiding writers to develop content that resonates with readers.
2. The process often involves brainstorming multiple angles and evaluating them based on audience interest, relevance, and originality.
3. Angle testing encourages writers to think critically about their ideas and refine them before committing to a full draft.
4. Writers may use feedback from peers or editors during angle testing to gain insights into which angles are the most engaging.
5. By effectively applying angle testing, writers can craft stories that not only inform but also entertain and captivate their audience.

Review Questions

• How does angle testing influence the development of a unique story idea?
  • Angle testing plays a crucial role in shaping a unique story idea by encouraging writers to brainstorm and evaluate different perspectives before committing to one. This process allows writers to focus on what makes their narrative distinctive, ensuring they choose an angle that resonates with their audience. By exploring various angles, writers can identify themes that are not only interesting but also relevant, leading to more engaging stories.
• In what ways can feedback enhance the angle testing process for feature writing?
  • Feedback can significantly enhance the angle testing process by providing diverse viewpoints that might not have been considered initially. When peers or editors review a writer's proposed angles, they can offer insights into what elements are most compelling or suggest alternative angles that could be more effective. This collaborative approach helps refine the writer's focus, ensuring that the chosen angle maximizes reader engagement and addresses audience interests.
• Evaluate how effective angle testing can change the trajectory of a feature story's success in capturing audience interest.
  • Effective angle testing can drastically alter a feature story's success by ensuring that the chosen narrative angle is both unique and appealing. When writers invest time in evaluating different angles, they can select one that stands out amid similar stories, capturing audience interest more effectively. This strategic approach not only enhances the storytelling but also contributes to higher readership and engagement rates, ultimately determining how well the story resonates with its target audience.

Related terms

Lead: The opening sentence or paragraph of a story that grabs the reader's attention and sets the tone for the article.

Focus: The central point or main idea around which a story is constructed, guiding the direction and depth of the writing.

Hook:

A compelling element or statement in a story designed to attract readers' interest and encourage them to continue reading.