✍️Newswriting Unit 8 – Writing Soft News and Feature Stories

What's Soft News and Feature Writing?

• Soft news stories focus on human interest, entertainment, and lifestyle topics rather than breaking news or hard-hitting journalism
• Feature writing delves deeper into a particular subject, person, or event, providing more context, detail, and emotional appeal than a straight news article
• Soft news and feature stories aim to engage readers through compelling storytelling, vivid descriptions, and relatable themes
• These types of articles often have a timeless quality, meaning they can be published or read at any time without losing relevance
• Soft news and feature writing allow journalists to explore a wider range of topics and writing styles, from profiles and trend pieces to personal essays and narratives
• While hard news informs, soft news and features entertain, inspire, and provoke thought or emotion in readers
• Examples of soft news and feature topics include a local restaurant review, a profile of a community leader, or an in-depth look at a cultural trend (minimalism, farm-to-table dining)

Key Elements of Soft News Stories

• A strong, attention-grabbing headline that hints at the story's content and draws readers in
• An engaging lead or opening paragraph that sets the tone, introduces the main subject, and compels readers to continue
• Descriptive, sensory language that helps readers visualize the people, places, and events being described
• Quotes and anecdotes from sources that provide insight, emotion, and authenticity to the story
• A clear focus or angle that guides the narrative and keeps readers interested throughout
• Relevant background information and context to help readers understand the significance of the story
• A satisfying conclusion that ties together the main themes, leaves a lasting impression, or encourages further thought
• Examples of soft news stories include a feature on a local bakery's unique recipes or a profile of a teacher who goes above and beyond for their students

Types of Feature Articles

• Human interest stories that explore the experiences, challenges, and triumphs of individuals or groups
  • These stories often evoke emotions and provide insight into the human condition
• Personality profiles that delve into the life, work, and character of a notable or fascinating person
  • Profiles can range from celebrities and politicians to everyday heroes and unsung community members
• Trend stories that examine current cultural, social, or lifestyle phenomena and their broader implications
  • Examples include the rise of social media influencers or the popularity of plant-based diets
• How-to or instructional articles that provide readers with step-by-step guidance on a specific task or skill
  • These can include topics like home improvement projects, cooking techniques, or personal finance strategies
• Historical features that look back at significant events, people, or places and explore their lasting impact
  • Examples might include a retrospective on a city's founding or a profile of a little-known historical figure
• Investigative features that dig deep into a particular issue, problem, or controversy and uncover new information or perspectives
  • These articles often involve extensive research and interviews to shed light on complex topics
• Travel features that showcase unique destinations, cultures, and experiences from around the world
  • These stories transport readers to new places and provide insider tips and recommendations

Finding and Developing Story Ideas

• Keep an eye out for interesting people, places, and events in your local community that could make compelling feature stories
• Follow news and trends in your beat or area of interest to identify potential angles or untold stories
• Engage with your audience through social media, email, or in-person conversations to gather story ideas and feedback
• Brainstorm with colleagues or editors to generate fresh perspectives and approaches to familiar topics
• Look for upcoming anniversaries, milestones, or seasonal hooks that could provide a timely angle for a feature story
• Use personal experiences or observations as a starting point for a relatable or thought-provoking piece
• Attend community events, workshops, or conferences to discover new ideas and sources
• Keep a running list of potential story ideas, even if they're not fully formed, to refer back to when needed

Research and Interview Techniques

• Start with background research to familiarize yourself with the topic and identify potential sources or angles
  • Use reliable sources such as academic journals, government reports, and reputable news outlets
• Prepare a list of open-ended questions that encourage sources to share their experiences, opinions, and insights
  • Avoid yes/no questions and instead ask "how," "why," and "what" to elicit more detailed responses
• Conduct interviews in person whenever possible to establish rapport and gather non-verbal cues
  • If in-person interviews aren't feasible, opt for phone or video calls rather than email exchanges
• Listen actively during interviews and ask follow-up questions to clarify or expand on interesting points
• Take detailed notes during interviews and record them (with permission) to ensure accuracy and gather quotes
• Verify information and claims made by sources through additional research or fact-checking
• Seek out diverse perspectives and voices to provide a well-rounded and inclusive view of the story

Structure and Writing Style

• Begin with a strong, engaging lead that hooks readers and sets the tone for the rest of the piece
  • Consider using anecdotes, descriptions, or thought-provoking questions to draw readers in
• Follow a clear, logical structure that guides readers through the story and keeps them engaged
  • Use subheadings, transitions, and varied paragraph lengths to break up the text and maintain flow
• Employ descriptive, sensory language to help readers visualize the people, places, and events being described
  • Show, don't tell by using specific details and examples to illustrate key points
• Incorporate quotes and anecdotes from sources to add depth, emotion, and authenticity to the story
  • Use direct quotes sparingly and strategically to emphasize key moments or insights
• Write in a conversational, engaging style that speaks directly to the reader and avoids jargon or complex language
• Vary sentence structure and length to create a dynamic, interesting read
  • Mix short, punchy sentences with longer, more complex ones to maintain reader attention
• Use active voice and strong verbs to convey action and keep the story moving forward

Engaging Openings and Compelling Endings

• Craft an attention-grabbing headline that accurately reflects the story's content and entices readers to click or read further
• Open with a strong, engaging lead that sets the scene, introduces the main subject, or poses a thought-provoking question
  • Avoid dry, factual leads and instead aim to create an emotional connection or sense of intrigue
• Consider using unconventional lead techniques, such as dialogue, description, or a surprising statistic, to stand out and draw readers in
• Conclude with a satisfying ending that ties together the main themes, offers a resolution, or leaves readers with something to ponder
  • Avoid summarizing the entire story and instead aim to create a lasting impression or call to action
• Use the ending to circle back to the opening theme or image, creating a sense of closure and coherence
• Consider ending with a powerful quote, anecdote, or observation that lingers in readers' minds long after they've finished the story

Polishing Your Feature: Editing and Revision

• Set aside your first draft for a day or two before revisiting it with fresh eyes and a critical mindset
• Read through the entire piece to assess its overall structure, flow, and coherence
  • Look for any gaps in information, awkward transitions, or redundant passages and make necessary adjustments
• Tighten and refine your language by eliminating unnecessary words, phrases, or sentences that don't contribute to the story
  • Aim for concise, clear writing that conveys your message effectively without excess verbiage
• Vary your word choice to avoid repetition and maintain reader interest
  • Use a thesaurus to find more precise or evocative synonyms for overused words
• Check for consistency in style, tone, and voice throughout the piece
  • Ensure that your writing aligns with your publication's style guide and target audience
• Proofread carefully for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors that could distract from your message
  • Consider reading the piece aloud or using text-to-speech software to catch awkward phrasing or mistakes
• Fact-check all information, quotes, and claims made in the story to ensure accuracy and credibility
• Seek feedback from colleagues, editors, or beta readers to identify areas for improvement and gather fresh perspectives
  • Be open to constructive criticism and use it to refine your work further