COLUMN WRITING
Learning Objectives
At the end of the discussion, the students should be able to:
Identify the nature and concepts of column writing;
Discuss the types of column and their differences;
Apply the tips in writing column; and
Create their own columns based on the given types.
WHAT IS COLUMN?
COLUMN
Columns are the most personal of all newspaper
writing. They have a very personal appeal, an
authoritative influence, and very useful
contribution to make in spreading news and
opinions.
They’re written to inform, to influence, or to
entertain readers.
They’re high in reader-interest for they
stimulate public discussion of the day’s affairs.
It generally answers why and how. It often is
personal, using the first and second person (I
and you).
Purpose of Columns
The main purpose of the column is to inform,
interpret, and to a large degree, to fiscalize.
Purpose of Columns
To explain the news. The columnist has to explain
their significance and consequence by:
a. Giving the background of an event
b. Determining whether a certain event is an isolate
case or part of the pattern
TYPES OF COLUMN
• Editorial (news commemtary) Column
• Variety or Humor Column
• Personal or Chatter Column
• Hodge-podge Column
TYPES OF COLUMN
• Opinion Column
• Exchange Column
• Book Column
HOW DO YOU WRITE A COLUMN?
Purpose - WHY are you writing?
Audience- WHOM are you trying to reach?
Content - WHAT will your column discuss?
HOW DO YOU WRITE A COLUMN?
Structure - HOW will your message get to your
audience?
- "question and answer"
- "new ideas"
- "how-to-do-it" pieces
- "coming events"
TIPS IN WRITING A COLUMN
1. Write with conviction
2. Maintain your focus
3. Understand opposing viewpoints
4. Refer to facts
5. Use analogies
6. Be critical
TIPS IN WRITING A COLUMN
7. Do reporting
8. Localize and personalize
9. Be passionate
10. Provide a solution
SUGGESTIONS FOR BEGINNING
COLUMNISTS
When writing a column, do:
1. Give the reader timely, helpful information;
2. Develop a structure and keep it. Write on a
regular schedule;
3. Write simple and short sentences and
paragraphs;
4. In personal columns, use local names and
places;
5. Let others speak for you by use of quotes and
references; and
6. Learn the difference between a column and a
news story.
When writing a column, do not:
1. Use technical or complex words:
2. Talk in jargon or unfamiliar terms;
3. Include too much detall or material; You should
be stimulating interest, not exhausting a subject;
and
When writing a column, do not:
4. Refer to yourself as a third person (this author,
your reporter) or quote yourself (Jimmy Jones
said). Instead use mine.
Example of a Column
Example of a Column
On a ¼ sheet of paper, write TRUE if the
statement is factual and FALSE if it is erroneous.
1. A columnist is expected to be good at presenting
facts as he chooses to write any topic about his
column.
2. A column and an editorial are both opinion
articles that are products of collaboration of all
members if editorial board.
3. The editor and the publisher are liable to any
written topics of the columnist once the article is
published.
4. A columnist is allowed to have multiple topics
or issues in one column so long as he uses breaks
like moustache.
5. In writing a column, the writer is expected to
become both authorative and peachy.
6. Like news, a column needs a vast array of facts
on the subject but does NOT need quoted
statements anymore.
7. A column also follows a principles of persuasion
in showcasing the writer's argument.
8. Unlike titles of feature stories, the title of one's
column should be serious, thus not catchy.
9. Figures of speech like comparison and
alliteration can be use in a feature story but NOT
in a column.
10. In column writing, a writer is given the
freedom to choose his subject and theme, but is
limited to the style he may use.
THANK YOU!
Reporters:
Alano, Charles Darwin
Canonigo, Joshua
Gerona, Florence Mae
Josol, Hannie Christine
Lape, Shara Mae
Linao, Christen Joy
Nacario, Junabel
