How to write a column for school journalism.

1. WRITING A COLUMN
JULIUS M. SEGOVIA, MBA

2. COLUMN
§ COMMENTS
§ NEWS HUMOR
§ TIDBITS
§ UNUSUAL
§ UNKNOWN
§ INSIDE INFORMATION
§ PERSONAL VIEWS
§ STRONG OPINION
§ ULTIMATE ANALYSIS

3. § The main job of the column is to INTERPRET
THE NEWS.
§ It emphasizes the MEAT OF THE STORY.
§ It highlights the BEHIND-THE-NEWS
DEVELOPMENTS.
§ The secondary function of the column is to
INFORM.

4. EDITORIAL OR COLUMN
§ An editorial is the collective view or
the stand of the newspaper and is
generally unsigned.
§ A column is the opinion of a writer,
which usually reflects only his or her
personal views. It is like an open
letter.

5. §Column has a
standard head
called a title,
and a byline.
§The one who
writes a column
is called a
COLUMNIST.

6. § POLITICS
§ SOCIAL ISSUES
§ LIFESTYLE / FEATURES
§ SPORTS
§ ENTERTAINMENT
§ SCIENCE AND DISCOVERIES
§ TECHNOLOGY

7. SPECIAL TASKS OF A COLUMNIST
§ SERVES AS THOUGHT LEADER
§ BUILDS AN INFORMED AND INTELLIGENT PUBLIC
OPINION
§ BE A GUIDE TO UNTANGLE THE MAZE OF FACTS
§ PROVIDES THE ‘MISSING LINK’ IN A NEWS STORY

8. How do you write a column?
§ PURPOSE (WHY are you writing?)
§ AUDIENCE (WHOM are you trying to reach?)
§ CONTENT (WHAT will your column discuss?)
§ STRUCTURE (HOW will it get to your audience?)

9. When writing a column, consider…
§ TOPIC AND THEME
§ RESEARCH
§ OPENING AND ENDING
§ VOICE
§ REVISION

10. COLUMN SUGGESTIONS
DDO
§ Give the reader timely,
helpful information.
§ Write on a regular schedule.
§ Write simple and short
sentence-paragraphs.
§ In personal columns, use
local names and places.
§ Use quotes and references.
§ Learn the difference
between a column and a
news story.
DON’T
§ Use technical or complex
words.
§ Talk in jargon or unfamiliar
terms.
§ Talk about one topic
constantly.
§ Include too much detail or
material.
§ Refer to yourself as a third
person (this author, your
reporter).

11. REMEMBER…
§ CONTEXT
§ OPINION
§ LANGUAGE
§ UNIQUE
§ MOVE
§ NATIVE

12. TIPS IN COLUMN WRITING
§ Write the way you talk.
§ Uncover a ‘lead’ that will get the attention
of your readers.
§ Use a catchy title.
§ Write about people.
§ Write simply.
§ Don’t weigh your column down with too
much detail.

13. TIPS IN COLUMN WRITING
§ Use a variety of material, not just one
subject.
§ Jot down names, ideas, reactions, and
impressions when visiting places.
§ Remember the people you’re talking to.
§ Be timely.
§ Always get your column to the editor
on schedule.

14. CATCHY HEADLINES
§ NO TO TRASH-LACION
§ Be RICEponsible
§ Kagat ng Langgam
§ Malas ang Pogi
§ FOOD na nakaka-GOOD MOOD

15. END
JULIUS M. SEGOVIA, MBA
julius.segovia@gmail.com
JA Segovia
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