Feature Writing: Techniques, Sources, and Importance in Journalism, Exercises of Mass Communication

Download Feature Writing: Techniques, Sources, and Importance in Journalism and more Exercises Mass Communication in PDF only on Docsity! LESSON 45 REVISION Importance of language Whatsoever the circumstances or where ever a student or a professional is, the importance of language for him can never be undermined. And when it comes to communication, all those tend to be failures if they cannot communicate in good language. Language is one of the most important areas of human development. Our communication skills set us apart from the rest of the animal kingdom, and they're also what bring us together with each other. Language is obviously a vital tool. Not only is it a means of communicating thoughts and ideas, but also it forges friendships, cultural ties, and economic relationships. There are four key areas, which must be strived for all the time, as these help in naturally improving one’s language, as cramming never helps anybody. • Reading – devour books and magazines – A journalist must be reading newspapers and magazines on daily basis. • Listening – keep tuned to good channels – A journalist must be a good listener too. • Speaking – make a try, you will be better – It has been observed that quite a large number of journalists are not good at communicating verbally, and there are those who can speak very well but when it comes to writing they always leave bad impression. • Writing – most important but no way impossible – For every journalist, writing is a must, and while doing so, he must be doing it to the best of his abilities. Feature writing Every genre or kind of journalistic writing is a specialised one but it is also done by the novices, definitely checked by the professionals or specialists. Any piece or writing that falls between the cut-and-dry news story on the one hand, and a fictionalised story or opinionated essay on the other hand can be a feature. When we say that Cut-and-dry news story, it means two things – first based on facts, and secondly, separated from the original stories, that is cut, and dry means something already known and discussed. Succinctly features can be anything or everything on which one wishes to write. Sources of material A good feature writer has at his disposal the major sources of observation, experience and printed word. However, he can and must amply employ and utilise the sources for the newspapers and the magazines. Owing to the reason that for feature-writing, the writer has numerous sources at his disposal, the features have gained wide currency and popularity in comparison to the drab nature of news-story and column- writing. Hence, a feature writer must exploit all avenues and sources for making his features interesting, absorbing and informative. Besides, the usual sources of information, books can be and must be consulted. Rather keeping books as one’s best friends is the key to success. Feature-writing can be derived and deduced from several sources; as by observation, experience and printed material. As far as observation and experience is concerned, special talents must be there in the personal character of the writer. Relevant sources should be handled immaculately. Internet usage in Feature Writing No doubt, the Internet has become a huge and valuable source of information for most of the writers, and people tend to use it more considering the fact that, as they say, it is just a click away. It is one of the most easily available sources of information to almost everyone at the fastest pace, and it has become hub of information, which is growing at a fast pace. Due to this reason, the Internet is considered to be the easiest way of information, and in abundance, surely too. But for quite a few professionals, it is neither the easiest one nor a straight knowledge, as there are a huge number of issues to be tackled; otherwise the information gathered can be contentious, controversial, prejudiced and biased because there are a lot of knowledge bases, which are making them so. docsity.com The purpose of the discussion is to making the usage of the Internet more judicious sans making it contentious, as the gathering of the information from any dubious source or website can make the write- up both controversial and unreliable. Hence the idea is to get the ‘Right kind of material from the right sources’ by clearly identifying the subject, and authenticity of the sources. What makes a good feature and writer? A feature bears close similarities with the news-story, as it gives the readers facts in an interesting form, and is framed and adapted to rapid reading. As compared to a news-story, a feature is expanded beyond the basic fact rather is fully supplemented with greater information. A feature usually covers all the underlying causes as well as the background of the news-story. From the study of the nature and definition of a feature, we may deduce the prominent and major analytic features and characteristics, which make a good feature. Another basic characteristic and attribute of a good feature is to compose collected material and data efficiently. The underlying point is the skill and ability to write clearly, accurately and with imaginative appeal. It should adopt a style of writing commensurate with the public genius and popular consciousness to make it a delectable and entertaining piece of prose. It should be simple, idiomatic and commonly intelligible to absorb the attention of the readers generally. A feature writer must know the importance of correct facts and figures. It must be realised that there is nothing, which could be substantiated sans facts and figures. And there must be nothing divorced from reality. The features should be based on facts and figures, whose accuracy should not be questioned. Their accuracy should be consolidated and unquestionable. Demands of a feature If on one hand, certain responsibilities and duties are to be fulfilled by the feature, then there are certain demands of every feature, which must be met by him as a writer of features. They are: Explanation, Entertainment and Interest, Information and guidance, both sides of picture, Diagnosis of Problems, Favourite of readers, and Attractive prose pieces. Conducting and writing of interviews Interview is an important aspect for feature writing. Newspaper and magazine features interviews are similar. The only important difference is that the typical newspaper feature interview may be somewhat less thorough because the newspaper writer frequently faces an imminent deadline. Writing novelty intros Why intros or Intros are important? This is the first question, which comes to every person’s mind whenever he is asked to write ‘good’ intros. Though definition of ‘good’ varies from person to person but generally we can say that ‘what appeals to the readers and urges them to read the rest of the feature or article’ is a good intro. However, every writer has different tools to make their write-ups interesting. While some apply the simple rule: “Lets talk your heart out to the reader!” or give a “Wake up call to the reader!” However, it is a must to enhance the readability. It is always challenging the ability of the writer to write interesting intros. The Intros add vigour and colour to the writing in order to make features as interesting as possible, which is possible through imagination coupled with paying intense attention to facts. However, warning is: Deliberate efforts must be used sparingly, rather the thumb rule is whenever you do it, make it natural, appropriate and unrestrained. Structure of features Generally speaking, there might not any significance about the structure of a feature, and people will like to divide it into three major portions, that is, the Intro, body and conclusion. However, with the passage of time and considering the reservations and constraints of the readers, one must be giving due attention to the division, and especially the transition from one portion to another, as a reader must be carried along with it. Otherwise, he might lose interest in the middle, and would never read that article again. docsity.com Modern Feature Writing Technique The Blundell Technique First attempt at feature writing can be a total mess coming back with all kinds of interesting nuggets of information. And resultantly included all of them in the essay. One can thought it might have been great. Story can be too long, no structure and basically can go nowhere. There are bits and pieces of interesting stuff you have in there but after reading the first few paragraphs, one is totally lost. One doesn't know where the story is heading. Showing it to a senior definitely helps. Advice to Feature Writers Usually, when you're good at something, you don't bother to analyse or think about the mechanics of the technique. You just do it either because it comes naturally to you or because you've been doing it for so long that it's become ingrained in you. Now, are good writers born or taught? This imponderable is probably asked in all professions, especially ones involving artistic endeavors. It's that old nature versus nurture debate. How much of what you are as a person is a result of your genes and how much is influenced by your environment? No one really knows for sure. But trying to figure this out is not just an academic exercise. As a writer, an editor or a writing coach, one must know what produces great writing. Is the ability to write well something latent in someone – who, perhaps, was born with the right mix of intelligence, language capabilities and imagination? Or is good writing something that anyone, with the right amount of determination and training, is capable of producing? One can tilt a little bit towards the nature side of things. You can teach someone to be a capable writer, but the really good ones are born with that special blend of creativity that allows them to rise above the rest. Column Writing Column has been described as an editorial with a by-line by the journalists. There are many phases of similarities between a column id an editorial, which makes their distinction and difference, really matter for experts’ opinions. They bear close similarities as far as their form, style and material are concerned. However all the columns cannot be said to have close similarities with an editorial. It has been rightly said that column-writing is one -of the most satisfying and rewarding journalistic exercise or assignment which is equal to personalised journalism. It is the field where a column writer is invested with ample independence and liberty to write on any topic or subject, with a clear flair of creative approach. Column writing and columnist in present times The present day columnists are very important part of the journalism. With the passage, they are being given more and more importance. See at the newspapers, where the editors are giving more space to the columnists on the Op-Ed pages especially. They are considered to be part and parcel of the political journalism. Besides, news and analysis by the article writers, columnists have been able to carve out an important niche for themselves. Resultantly, people follow their favourite columnist whenever they switch over from one newspaper to another; hence goes the readership with them to that particular newspaper. This also substantiates the reason that the editors give a lot of importance to the established columnists, as they are not fetching their own readership with them, rather big names among the columnist, also bring better reputation to the newspapers. Succinctly, columnists have become an important ingredient of the political journalism. Nevertheless, it does not mean that they do not write on other issues. English and Urdu Columnists There are certain differences between Urdu and English columns and columnists. Urdu columnists are addressing the popular readership, as the Urdu newspapers reach every literate reader of the country. Besides this mass appeal, these dailies are also read by the elite also. Hence their docsity.com readership varies from the local vendor to the decision makers of the country. With this, wide range of readers; it becomes easy for the columnists to choose subjects of their choice because every subject will be read across the country, which makes the Urdu columnists more popular among the masses. The Urdu columnists are always coming up with popular ideas, as they find readership of varied senses and tastes. However, they try to discuss the popular ideas, that is, what is being discussed or considered to be a hot subject. If the English columnists are treating popular ideas, but they are always doing differently through comparisons, contrasts and arguments. Pragmatism is the basic line, which they following all the time. Types of Columns There are divergent types of columns owing to the subject variation. It is said “Columns, like news stories, may fit into several pigeonholes at the same time.” Different types of columns were discussed in this lecture. Characteristics of columns The feature, the column and the editorial are sometimes hard to distinguish; qualities of each cross over and intermingle. But columns offer an opportunity for variety in content that no feature or editorial can approach. The column always carries the writer’s by-line and, in some cases, the writer’ s photograph. Columns appear at regular intervals and usually in the same location in the publication; so loyal readers will know where to find them. Columns may be subject oriented, such as those in hobbies or crafts. Or the columns can be reflection of the writer’s personality, offering humour, opinion, anecdotes. Unlike feature or editorial, which usually require considerable background and experience, columns can be written by the newest member of the staff. What are the essentials and basic points that go in to the forming of a Column? From the foregoing study and examination of the nature and definition of the column-writing, we can analyse the following essentials and basic points which go into the forming of a column. The column-writing can cater to the needs of the newspapers, periodicals with equal significance. Column-writing can be equated with the concept and practice of personal journalism of the past. Columns are written on a multitude of subjects, with a natural flair of conversation and a direct address to the readers without any intermediary. There are syndicated and non-syndicated columns on diverse topics. It can be said that any subject is an apt subject for the columnist. Under a column, different news, announcements, and information can be gathered. Columns are really the concise and precise rather pointed comments on the news of the day. Column may include in its range the humour, criticism, wisecracks, judgements, observations, philosophies, apologies etc. Style The successful columnist is one who has developed a personal style, but there are some general principles that can be followed. In this lecture, different styles of writing were discussed. General Style of the Column Five General Styles There are five general styles, employed in the column-writing. It now depends on the columnist to choose and select the style of a column according to his aptitude, personality and attitude in close consonance with the type of his column. The selection of an appropriate style also depends on the nature of material a columnist desires to employ. Structure of a Column Different structures, both technical and structure, were discussed in this lecture. docsity.com Column Writing Tips Many young writers prefer to write columns rather than straight news or features. Straight news is deemed to be boring – covering press conferences and reporting who said what. Feature stories involve too much reporting and require discipline to follow a set structure. Columns, which are essentially opinion pieces, are much looser – and therefore easier. Or so it seems. Anybody can be trained to write straight news because it’s very mechanical. Feature articles, though also somewhat formulaic, are harder because they require good writing. But column writing is the hardest type of writing of all because it requires good thinking. To write a good column requires more than just the ability to articulate an opinion. Your opinions must make sense, provide insight and be convincing. And you must do all this in an entertaining way. Selection of a topic There are certain things, which must be kept in mind. However, it is always considered – ‘how readers will react to it’ – prior to selecting the topic. Selection of a topic is though a difficult task, but it plays an important role in the success of a columnist. So a lot of thought must be put before writing a column. In certain, even brainstorm with others is also a good idea because besides giving you new ideas, they add something to your arguments. Plus it also helps in seeing both sides of the same picture. However, it must never be taken for granted. Finding a new topic or subject every day or every alternative day is definitely difficult, and usually regular columnists can fall prey to this. Sometimes they are looking for subjects. Qualities of a column writer Personal A columnist must possess some qualities at the personal level, as these are essential for him to be known as a better individual as well. Professional Someone with just personal qualities is never a successful professional, until he possesses certain qualities, which are a must for any professional. Qualities of a column writer were discussed in this lecture. What must be practised by a columnist? It is a must for a columnist to do his job well. Besides some personal and professional capabilities, he must be practising a few steps. He must have qualities, both at the personal level and at the professional as well. He should never let himself become stagnant, as he looks for constant improvement in all spheres. A few are must qualities of a good writer, which he ought to possess. Sources of material of Columns Sources of material for columns depend on their types. For instance, if one wants to write a serious column, for background one has to look for book, magazines and newspapers, as usually such a matter is available. However, for an impressionistic, the columnist will use his creative powers. However, various factors must be kept in mind as per types. There are many sources of columns’ materials. However the source of material usually is consistent with the nature and the structure of the column to be handled. In case the column relates to a simple matter, the sources shall be correspondingly easy to be handled or otherwise a complex one. Sources of material for the specialised columns, as on health, stamps, books etc. are fairly easy and readily available. The specialist writer of the columns may be a doctor, a scientist, a sportsman, physician, a religious scholar, a scholar, for literary column etc. They disseminate their ideas and views with special reference to the modern research and various other references to refresh the readers with the learning in their specialized columns. docsity.com