Feature headline

Definition

A feature headline is a creative and attention-grabbing title used to introduce a feature story, which often highlights a specific topic, person, or event in a more narrative and engaging manner than standard news reporting. This type of headline is designed to entice readers by employing clever wordplay, vivid imagery, or an emotional hook, setting the tone for the storytelling that follows. Feature headlines often differ from straight news headlines by focusing on the human interest aspect or unique angle of the story.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Feature headlines often use descriptive language and stylistic elements to create an emotional connection with readers.
2. They can include puns, alliteration, or rhetorical questions to engage the audience and provoke curiosity.
3. Unlike traditional news headlines, feature headlines may not focus solely on who, what, when, where, and why; they instead prioritize storytelling elements.
4. Feature headlines aim to convey the essence of the story's theme or mood while inviting readers to delve deeper into the content.
5. Effective feature headlines are typically shorter and punchier than regular headlines, allowing them to stand out on the page.

Review Questions

• How do feature headlines differ from traditional news headlines in terms of style and purpose?
  • Feature headlines differ from traditional news headlines primarily in their creative approach and focus on storytelling. While traditional news headlines aim to convey factual information quickly and efficiently, feature headlines prioritize engagement through vivid language and emotional hooks. This stylistic difference allows feature stories to draw readers in by presenting unique angles or human interest elements, making them more appealing to those seeking deeper narratives.
• What techniques can be employed in crafting an effective feature headline that captures reader interest?
  • Crafting an effective feature headline involves using various techniques such as incorporating descriptive language, clever wordplay, or emotional appeals. Writers often employ literary devices like alliteration or puns to make the headline catchy and memorable. Additionally, posing a question can provoke curiosity while hinting at the story's content. The goal is to create a sense of intrigue that entices readers to continue reading.
• Evaluate the impact of a well-written feature headline on a publication's overall readership and engagement metrics.
  • A well-written feature headline significantly impacts a publication's readership and engagement metrics by attracting more readers and encouraging them to interact with the content. When headlines are compelling and creatively crafted, they can lead to higher click-through rates on digital platforms, increased sharing on social media, and greater retention of audience interest. This heightened engagement can ultimately contribute to building a loyal readership and enhancing the publication's reputation for quality storytelling.

Related terms

Lead: The opening paragraph of a news story that summarizes the most important information and hooks the reader's interest.

Nut Graph: A paragraph that explains the main point of a feature story and provides context for why it matters.

Subheadline: A secondary headline that provides additional information or context about the main headline, often used to further engage readers.