Journalism 110

Inverted pyramid

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• The most important information goes first in a summary lead.
• Then the second most important, then the third and so on.
• Each paragraph should contain one idea and no more than three sentences.
• The story is written so that the bottom could be cut off.
• Because it summarizes the most important information, this form tends to be repetitive. And it rarely contains surprises.
  

Adapted from Carole Rich, Missouri Group, Chip Scanlan, Melvin Mencher

Guidelines for inverted pyramid stories:

The lead is the most important part. In a summary lead, remember the 5 Ws and the H. Death and destruction go in the lead. Sentences should be 25 to 35 words long.

Write in short paragraphs (three sentences).

Write clearly, simply and concisely.

Use attribution.

Said is the preferred word for attribution.

Never sacrifice accuracy.