Narrative Journalism

The narrative of literary style is much more appropriate for visual readers. Narrative stories do a better job of putting a face on the news; in other words, they show how the news affects readers.

Next to the unfinished class float in the middle of a colorful mountain of crepe paper, senator and freshman Eric Stevens throws another glue-laden wad onto a growing pile of mistakes. Lead puts a “face” on the story.

“I don’t think I’ll ever get this right,” Stevens says quietly. “And it needs to be done by tomorrow.” Storytelling quote.

Stevens isn’t alone in his frustration. Many freshmen said that the pressure of the high school Homecoming takes away from the fun. Transition to main point of the story. Tells readers what to think about (Homecoming isn’t fun for everyone).

“My homework is piling up,” Freshman Class President Ashley Jones said. “But I know I can’t do my classwork because I’ll be letting down too many people in my class.” Secondary, relevant source to back up main source.

For most freshman officers, this is their first glimpse of Homecoming festivities. And for many of them, according to class sponsor Rita Carson, the work is more than they can handle. Relevant “expert” source. Reinforces the point.

“I’ve seen it before,” Carson said. “These are highly motivated kids, and doing a bad job is not an option.” But at the same time, she said, they don’t know how to prioritize their lives.

Stevens said he agreed.

“I thought Homecoming was supposed to be fun,” he said, his fingers coated in glue residue. “But now I’m not so sure.” Ends with good storytelling quote.

Four Steps To a Solid Lead

Follow these procedures when introducing your story. Failure to do say may mean that your audience won’t bother to read the rest of your article.

Step 1: Introduce the main character (either a name or a description)—the face on your story. This is generally a student source, since your readers will relate better to their peers.

Step 2: Establish the problem or conflict—the thing that makes that main character newsworthy. After all, if there were no conflict, the story wouldn’t be newsworthy.

Step 3: Describe the setting—where this event is taking place. Especially if the setting is relevant, readers will want to see it. This is where good observation comes into play.

Step 4: The tone—Is this a serious piece? Lighthearted? Sentimental? A story about the death of a teacher should not have the same style as a piece about student bands.

Hook 'Em: Examples of Good Leads

• As sophomore Dan Cassidy sat drinking, thinking of what his mother had done to him, anger built rapidly inside and turned to rage. (about a boy whose alcohol abuse led him to beat up his mother and, later, to find redemption and a second chance)
• They sit on the couch with an old episode of "Love Boat" muted on the television in front of them. His hand rests upon her knee, and they are comfortable with each other. Under the circumstances, they feel they have no choice. (about a high school couple pressed into marriage after an unplanned pregnancy)

Source: High School Journalism: A Practical Guide by Jim Streisel