Feature stories and newsletters 4 6 October 2010

Feature � stories and newsletters � 4 -6 October 2010 Kathmandu, Nepal

Common types of feature stories • Time-sensitive (news) – after a certain date, the story is no longer interesting or relevant (e. g. a story about an event that already happened or will take place) • Non-time sensitive (narratives) that can be used at any convenience, usually presented as a human interest story and general feature that provides more background information that a news article.

Newsletter articles use both types

Time-sensitive features (news) • Most common type found in newspapers • For example: • Starts with the news (What happened? When? Where? Who was involved? ) • Follows with an explanation about reasons (why? ) • Examines implications and consequences

Non-time sensitive features Human interest story focuses on • a person or group • emotions first, info second • difficult situation/dramatic event • improved situation as compared to past situation

Non-time sensitive features General feature focuses on • Topic of intrinsic interest to readers • Often held until a suitable event occurs • Then published along news story (but not necessarily)

IFAD’s criteria for feature story • • • Success or challenge Documented results as a basis (progress report, evaluation, case study) It must be clear - what the project/programme did - what the results are Human interest aspect/testimonial (quotes) from participants Photography – ideally specific photos of the project subject or participants

Basic principles for writing feature stories - Clear objective. Clear message. Logical organization of ideas. Start with the most important, then background and examples (deductive rather than inductive writing). Clear and concise ideas. Appropriate language (political and cultural sensitivity). Reader-friendly writing. Correct spelling, grammar and punctuation.

Benefits • • • Gets your reader’s attention. Saves a busy reader a lot of time. The reader doesn’t have to read everything. It is more persuasive. It is easier to understand – the author gets to the point right at the beginning rather than towards the end (conclusion) as with inductive writing.

Style and formatting • Headline - indicate theme and country • Begin with a standfirst – para that sums up what the project did and the result(s) • Use short subheadings • People info - first/last name of people quoted in the story, their job title, institution, name of village • The project key facts should include: name of project, total cost, IFAD loan/grant, cofinancing/partners, duration, geographical area, directly benefiting, status • Provide contact name(s) for further information, job title, address, phone [optional] and e-mail • Include useful links and check www addresses (for online publishing) • Include captions and credits for photos

Structure of a story Headline Standfirst/lead paragraph • Summary (what the project did + results) Photo Caption Story (most important part) What happened? What did the project do? So what? What are the results? Examples Testimonial/quotes from participants Background (less important part) Details about the project, components, supporting data. Contact Name(s) for further information, job title, address, phone [optional] and e-mail

Headline • • • Think about THREE KEY WORDS Remember WHO, WHAT + WHERE, WHY Offer as much info as possible in 6 -8 words, possibly in one line Bring the most important words first Use ACTIVE verbs For example: “A farmer made a fortune from growing mushrooms in Ha Tinh Province”

Standfirsts / Lead paragraph • 80% of readers only read standfirsts • Little adverts under the headline (30 -50 words) • Stand out from the rest of the article (BOLD) • Tell the reader what the article is about • Persuade the reader to read the article • Should summarize the article and be EXCITING

Story • Tell readers about a what happened in your project and the results • Focus on one success or issue • Provide evidence • Quote

Example • Provide an example – one specific person/village (human interest story) • Usually in a box • Provide testimonial/quotes • In a quote, give name, age, number people in family, where they live • What was life like before the project • How has daily life changed since the project • Focus on emotions

Background • Project information (key facts, objectives, components) • Supporting data (how many people the project supports) • Other achievements • Partnership (institutions) • Government involvement

Useful tips • • • Keep your audience in mind Keep it real Present the success without too much analysis Provide only relevant details Use quotes wherever possible Use a conversational tone – avoid jargon and unusual words • Don’t exaggerate – ‘major’, ‘very’, ‘great’, ‘fantastic’ • Include a photo and caption - ALWAYS

Any questions?