Goals and objectives:
1. Describe the different types
and features of columns
2. Review a current school
production, film, video, book
or album
3. Create ideas that could be
used in a column
4. Write a column for publication
Key terms
Column
Syndicated
Review
Specialized column
Jargon
Building a column
A column…
1. Uses a byline
2. Is usually between 450 and 1,000 words
3. Expresses an opinion
4. Allows a freedom and variety of topics
5. Shows-off the individuality of the writer.
Columns should be…
Based on factual information upon which the writer has
formed an opinion.
The writer does not need to be objective, since the column
represents their opinion.
Each columnist is expected to take a unique approach with a
unique voice.
Column writing
To begin a column, think of an unusual angle on which to focus.
There is no specific formula for writing a column.
The parts of a column are like a short story: a beginning, a middle
and a conclusion.
The beginning
To write an effective introduction for your column, what
“occurs” to you should grab the reader’s attention.
You might include a current news item exclusive to the
column, an anecdote or even a joke.
The middle
The body of your column should back up your opinions
with facts.
The details you include should contribute real meaning to
your column. You can include colorful descriptions or
factual evidence which will be found in the research that
must be done for every article that goes into the
newspaper.
The middle
Magazines, newspapers and television can be the
inspiration for a column.
Famous quotations might spark a column idea.
The conclusion
Always conclude a column in a way that will satisfy readers.
Three types of conclusions are common:
• The circle ending
• The rhetorical question ending
• The summary ending
The circle ending
Relates the reader back to the beginning of the column and ties
up loose ends.
The rhetorical question ending…
Leaves the reader with something to think about.
The summary ending…
Summarizes the writer’s main points.
Characteristics of a column
Humanity — discuss topics close to your heart
Characteristics of a column
Wit—not necessarily humor, but how well the writer
expresses him/herself.
A witty columnist writes in an imaginative, insightful
way and has the ability to communicate his/her
thoughts and ideas originally.
Wit is also the columnist’s ability to change tone,
subject and style.
Characteristics of a column
Freedom of approach—A columnist can do just about
anything on paper.
Some columnists may abandon straight column
writing and write verse or imaginative prose.
Rules for column writers
1. Vary your subject matter
2. Look for oddities and the unusual to spark interest in
your readers
3. Use a style that is usually offbeat—use the personal
flavor and touch.
4. Keep it short and to the point.
5. Admit it when you make a mistake.
6. Have a genuine interest in your readers; write for them
instead of for yourself.
More rules for column writers
1. DON’T embarrass anyone without real
reason.
2. DON’T assume that you always know best—
that you have all the answers.
3. DON’T claim all the credit.
4. DON’T overwork the pronoun “I”.
5. DON’T think that your own experiences and
ideas are always fascinating to others.
6. DON’T hesitate to give all sides to a story.
You don’t have to be objective, but it gives
you more credibility when you recognize
other sides to the story.
Types of columns
Syndicated columns
A syndicated column is published
through an association that acquires
columns, stories, articles and
cartoons for more than one
newspaper or periodical.
Types of columns
Humor columns
The purpose of a humor column is to
amuse and entertain others.
Success depends on the writer’s point
of view and his/her ability to shape
opinions into words that will entertain
readers.
Types of columns
Gossip columns
This is a danger zone.
People like to read gossip, but repeating
rumors is not journalism.
Furthermore, gossip columns are subject
to the same libel laws as the rest of the
paper.
Types of columns
Entertainment page and reviews
Reviews are columns that typically
comment on movies, recordings,
books, television programs, concerts,
plays, computer software or
restaurants.
A review is more than just an opinion—it
is an argument with a heavy emphasis
on judgment. The reviewer or critic is
attempting to persuade or influence
readers.
Types of columns
Specialized columns
Columns that appear in specific areas of the
newspaper, such as on the sports, travel
or politics pages, are called specialized
columns.
Types of columns
Specialized columns
Columnists who write these types of columns
usually know their readers and know the
terminology used the subject they’re
writing about – this is called jargon.