Use  technical  terms  sparingly,  and  include informal definitions as you go along. Dress up difficult or dull passages with human interest items. Quote authorities as necessary to make the reader feel the facts are authentic. Simplify facts by the use of analogy. Break down statistical material into figures the reader can comprehend. Compare  scientific  concepts  and  technology  to objects with which the reader is familiar. Weave the necessary background into the story end — and because the ending was a piece of artistic for unity and coherence. For   example,   assume   you   are   describing   some microtubing used in a new guided missile. If you tell the readers  it  is  three  one-thousandths  of  an  inch  in diameter, they will have trouble visualizing it. Tell them it  compares  in  size  to  a  human  hair  and  they  can visualize its size immediately. In another story, you can point out that a new jet aircraft  carries more than 17,000 gallons of fuel.  This is an impressive figure, but it does not mean much to the average reader. It would be more meaningful for you to tell the reader that the same amount of gasoline could power his car for the next 20 years. Whenever   possible,   avoid   generalizations.   Use figures to backup any broad claims you may make. Do not  merely  say  that  the  average  sailor  uses  too  much water  aboard  ship.  Add  force  and  emphasis  to  the statement with understandable figures. Tell the reader the average sailor drinks from two to four quarts of water a  day.  He  uses  five  gallons  of  water  daily  merely  to shave, brush his teeth and wash his hands. Cleaning and food preparation in the galley takes an additional five to eight gallons per crew member. In addition, he uses up to 10 gallons of water when he takes a shower.  Then tell the  reader  why  this  is  important:  because  the  Navy “makes”  its  own  water,  drop  by  drop,  by  distilling  it from seawater. If pictures are not available and you have to describe a mechanical device, describe it in terms with which the reader  is  familiar:  “The  Navy’s  new  supercavitating propeller looks like the screw part of an ordinary kitchen food  grinder.” naval engagement — but not a shot was In studying feature techniques, the writer should not overlook   the   finest   training   material   of   all   —   the published  work  of  other  feature  writers.  When  you discover  a  piece  in  a  newspaper  or  magazine  that particularly interests you, you should read it again and analyze the devices the author used to make the work interesting, informative, entertaining or gripping. With a little adaptation and practice you can make the same techniques  your  own. One thing you will probably discover is that when a story leaves you with a satisfying aftertaste, it is often because it was good enough to hold your interest to the writing  in  itself. Conclusion The   conclusion   of   all   good   feature   stories terminates the article in a positive manner. As in the lead, the writer is limited only by the ability in composing a conclusion. One device frequently used is to summarize the key points  of  the  story.  Another  way  to  end  a  story  is  to present a new fact, generally a fact that highlights the importance of the subject of the article. No matter how you do it, though, the ending should leave the reader satisfied that the time spent reading the piece was time well-spent.  If  you  provided  a  tantalizing  lead  and  a well-constructed  body  that  held  the  reader’s  interest, you  owe  to  the  story  and  the  reader  an  equally well-written   conclusion. As mentioned earlier in this chapter, the feature lead example about USS  Norfolk  intercepting  the  Russian missile-loaded freighter sums up the action and puts the story in a new light by using a different twist. Consider the following excerpt: Eventually,   on   orders   from Moscow, canvas was rolled back on all eight  70-foot  missiles.  In  six  hours, governments  had  been  contacted, orders  issued  and  received,  proving photographs taken, and not a shot was fired. Suddenly the meeting was news — as  much  so  as  if  it  had  been  a  major fired. The dull patrol of USS  Norfolk had been broken, and momentarily the endless  watches  became  meaningful. Its mission had been accomplished. The next day, Norfolk returned  to its  station  on  the  now  familiar  patrol and  observed  a  famous  armistice  on 3-6