Inverted Pyramid

This structure organizes a story from the most important information to the least important. It usually starts with a summary lead that gives some of the basics: who, what, when, where, why. The elements that can’t fit in the lead are in the backup. This is one of the most common forms for hard-news stories.

The advantage of this form is that the reader gests the crucial information quickly. The disadvantage – the reader may not read past the crucial information.

This form is a primary structure for breaking news, and it is an important form for online journalism, where readers have unlimited choices and more control over their story selections. Because of the volume of material available online, the inverted pyramid is a useful way to let readers determine immediately whether they are interested in the story. Online journalism does not have the space limitations of newspapers, so readers who are really interested in a topic may read more of the story and even pursue additional information that might be offered through links to other stories.

Regardless of the medium, stories still must be well-written to entice readers. Adding an impact paragraph – explaining how the story affects readers – is one way to strengthen the inverted pyramid.

Wall Street Journal Formula

This structure starts with the soft lead, focusing on a person, scene or event. The idea is to go from specific to general, starting with a person, place or event that illustrates the main points of a story. The concept, whether stated or implied, is that this person or scene is one of many affected by the issue in the nut graph. The lead can be anecdotal, descriptive or narrative.

It is followed by a focus graph – nut graph – that gives the main point of the story. This paragraph should explain what the story is about and why it is important (“so what”).

The story then presents backup for the lead and supporting points. The body of the story may be organized by different points of view or by developments related to the focus.

The ending is often a circle kicker, using a quote or anecdote from the person in the lead or a future development of something mentioned in the beginning of the story.

This is a very versatile formula that can be applied to many news and feature stories. It is very useful for brightening bureaucratic stories. While you are reporting, seek out a person who is one of many exemplifying your point, or try to find an anecdote that illustrates the main points of your story.