Feature Articles

A feature story differs from a straight news story in one respect – its intent. While a news story provides information about an event, idea or situation, the feature can interpret news, add depth and color to a story, instruct, or entertain.

There are generally 4 types of features pieces. Find an example of each.

  1. The News Feature-a writer explores a facet of a news story in a more in-depth way.The news feature must be published within a certain time frame because of the timeliness.
  1. The Informative Feature-these tend to be about restaurants, movies, groups, events. They are not necessarily NEW. It is just an in-depth piece. A timely informative feature would be about a movie or book released NOW. However, a feature that informs readers about a group or even that is not new is often called an called an EVERGREEN because it can be published at any time.
  1. Profiles and Human Interest Features-these pieces are often about people who have had some sort of impact on others or who have made a notable achievement. These types of profiles are often the favorites of readers because the stories are inspiring. The relevance of the story with the audience.
  1. Personal Experience and Accomplishment Features- (often columns or blogs). These features are written about the journalist’s own experiences. There is still research involved, but the base of the piece itself stems from the writer’s own experience and is, therefore, subjective.

Structuring a Feature Piece

The introduction is the most important part - entice your reader, hook them in. Use drama, emotion, quotations, questions, descriptions. Instead of the inverted pyramid of facts, open with a quotation, an image, a scene… Look at your models as a guide.

The body of the article needs to keep any promises or answer any questions raised in the introduction - try and maintain an "atmosphere" throughout the writing. Weave in quotations and anecdotes from your sources into the piece similar to the news piece model. (Information/DQ/Information/DQ).

While the introduction draws the reader in, the conclusion should be written to help the

reader remember the story - use a strong punch line. End with a lasting image or quotation to help the readers appreciate the value of the story.

Some points to keep in mind

Focus on human interest - the feel and emotion you put into the article are critical.

Be clear about why you are writing the article. Is it to inform, persuade, observe, evaluate, or evoke emotion?

Write in the active voice. (avoid blacklisted words!)

Accuracy is important - you can interpret but you cannot fabricate.

Keep your audience clearly in mind - what are their desires, what really matters to them? What do you want them to know or appreciate about your topic?

Avoid clichés and sentimental statements - especially at the end of your article.

Interviews for features usually need to be in-depth and in person rather than over the phone - this enables you to add in color and detail.

Use anecdotes and direct quotes to tell the story - try not to use too many of your own words.

Talk to more than one person to provide a more complete picture – but don’t just add in sources to show how much work you’ve done. You thread the sources together.

Decide on the ‘tense' of your story at the start and stick to it. Present tense usually works best.

Avoid lengthy, complex paragraphs.

Pictures tell a story too. A picture of your person or subject in action is an excellent addition to your piece.