Writing Obituaries

A Timeless Art

Is the obituary page the best read page in the newspaper?

What is the value ofa well-written

obituary?

What is the main requirement of any

obituary?

Three types of obituary writing Standard form News story Obit “feature”

Standard obituary form Contains the basic elements of any

news lead. 5 W’s and H. Second-day lead

More basic elements

Time and date of services

Time and place of burial

Time and place of visitation

Date and place of birth

ACCURACY Occupation

Memberships Achievements Survivors

More elements

Names of parents (optional)

Preceded in death

Date and place of marriage (optional)

Pallbearers Memorials

Information to check and double-check Confirm spellings of names Check addresses. Compare what’s

given to city directory or phonebook Check birth date, age. Do the math. Verify with funeral home director

any obit faxed or called in to the newspaper.

Check newspaper library for stories.

Language choices Avoid euphemisms, such as loved ones,

passed away or dearly beloved. Be careful when listing cause and

circumstances of death One dies unexpectedly, not suddenly. One dies apparently of of a heart attack, not

of an apparent heart attack One dies following an operation, not as a

result of an operation. Injuries are suffered, not received.

More word choices Learn the proper religious terms

Catholics celebrate Mass Jews worship in synagogues or temples Episcopal priests are known as rectors

Use your AP Stylebook Know your newspaper’s policy and

style.

Stylebook tips Survived by wife, not widow Stepson, half-brother

Newspaper Policy Survivors – who gets listed??

Pets Fiances Partners Live-in companions Grandchildren (by name) Brothers, sisters (by name)

Newspaper Policy In lieu of flowers Who decides what goes in? Reprints if mistakes? Calling families if mistake is made Charging Divorced spouses Addresses for security/safety Suicide

Creating the obituary Information comes from funeral

home director on standard form. Information typed in according to

newspaper’s policies. Product is “dry biography.”

Practice writing an obituary from a standard funeral home form.

Writing obituaries

When a death occurs in

conjunction with a news event.

Gathering information Funeral home form Newspaper Other sources Newspaper library Interviews with family, friends

From the funeral home Get pictures Resolve conflicting information Ask questions when funeral director

calls in or when you confirm that an obit has been received from the funeral home.

From the newspaper Check funeral notices for names in

the news or for interesting tidbits that might make that person’s story interesting to the readers.

From the newspaper library Check past clips that include the

deceased. Some clips may include information

or activities not on the obit form. Quotes might yield glimpse of

person’s personality. Find names of friends or co-workers.

From family, friends Don’t be afraid to make the call.

Many times family members welcome talking about a loved one.

Don’t ask, “How do you feel?” Even with someone you know, good

reporting can make a story better.

Writing Obituaries

Another angle on a feature story

An obit “feature” In small communities, an obit

feature most likely will be written only about public figures. Who are public figures?

Anyone is worth a well-reported, accurate obit “feature.”

Purpose A profile Capture the “essence” of the

person: how did he/she live his/her life?

Bringing the deceased to life one last time.

Techniques to use Feature telling techniques Details, senses Anecdotes Set scenes Quotes that show a window into the

personality. Ask, “How would he/she like to be

remembered?”

If public figure Include the cause of death – even if

it could be considered controversial. Decide the worth of embarrassing

information. How long ago did it happen? What does it add to the story?

Be aware of newspaper policy.

If not, consider your options Run obit that leaves out

embarrassing information and cuase of death. If circumstances merit story, then run story separately from obit.

Include embarrassing details and cause in obit.

Include embarrassing details and cause only for a public figure.

Other options Put a limit on how far back in a

person’s life to include derogatory information (convictions).

Print everything newsworthy about public figures.

Print everything newsworthy about anyone.

Trends Online obituaries – popular feature.

Sometimes just print short record with names and service times.

Why?

Final check Correct? Complete? Check sources? Style? Policy?