The inverted pyramid style

What is the Inverted Pyramid Style of Writing?

The inverted pyramid as the name implies, is an upside down content structure that starts off with the widest parts of content and most important information about a topic or news piece at the top. The top of the inverted pyramid summarizes the most important elements of a story in order to draw the reader in and grab their attention.

Why does the inverted pyramid work?

The inverted pyramid works extremely well for a variety of reasons. The methodology provides a clear structured mechanism for journalists and writers to create engaging pieces of writing. It also allows readers to stop reading the story at any time and have a good understanding of what it was about, even if they don’t get through all the details. It is also very effective in providing readers a balanced approach to reading a story. This is done by giving them all the relevant details by the end.  It’s a great way to condense long material into exciting and engaging pieces that the masses can enjoy.

Benefits of the Inverted-Pyramid Style for Web Writing

• Improve comprehension: Users can quickly form a mental model and a general understanding of the article, making it easier to understand the details that follow.
• Decrease interaction cost: Users can understand the main point of the page without having to spend a lot of time reading.
• Encourage scrolling: This structure can encourage scrolling by engaging the audience with the main point, and drawing them into the details that follow.
• Structure content logically: Starting with broad information sets the stage for what follows. Elements like anchor or jump links can become unnecessary when content is structured to draw the user down the page.
• Support readers who skim: Readers can stop reading at any point on the page and still come away with the main point.

The inverted pyramid structure:

1. Important information relating to the main story

• Who
• What
• When
• Where
• How

This information heads the article and gives the reader immediate information about what the rest of the article plans to cover in detail. It sets the tone and expectation of the article in regards to the type of information the readers can expect.

2. Relevant details and breakdown of the details that pertain to the story

The next points that follow the main outlines of the story should start to dive into further detail and illustrate further development to the story. This part should be full of interesting facts and things that can trigger an emotional response from the reader in order to keep going further into the new story. Here is where creative diction and syntax allow a journalist to show off their skills.

3. Background information

Inside the third component of the inverted pyramid, a writer should provide relevant background to the story. This helps further illustrate their points and allows the reader to start forming their own judgement about what they are reading. This part should fill any unanswered questions that the readers might have and can separate good journalism from great journalism.

4. Further Details and Quotes

Towards the end of the article you should look to provide additional information that can further drive your point or provide a unique perspective on the topic that the reader may have never considered. It’s also extremely valuable to include any quotes from interviews or an opinion that another individual expressed. This helps the reader get a front row seat into the piece they are reading.

5. Biography and References

If you created a high value piece of news or content and readers want to check out some of your other work it’s a good idea to leave your name and a way for them to follow you.

This creates return visitors and can build your base of loyal readers. It’s also equally important to note down your references so people know that your content is well researched and valid. The truth is, no one likes a made up story that they can’t validate. So having your bio and references is a great way to establish yourself as an authority.

How to write in the inverted pyramid style

1. Identify your key points. Start with the Conclusion of the Story. What piece of information is the key fact you want your readers to know, even if they only read a single paragraph or sentence on the page? What effectively summarizes all the information that will follow? Writers and journalists are taught to “front load” their pieces of writing, putting the most important and attention grabbing pieces in the beginning to hook their audience. Front loading your readers helps to keep them more engaged. 
2. Rank secondary information. Outline the story details and supporting information, prioritizing the information that is most likely to be of interest to the broadest audience, and moving down the list to the smaller and more nuanced details.
3. Write well and concisely. The structure only helps readers if the content is strong. Cut unnecessary information. Get to the point quickly. Use straightforward language. Use short paragraphs and bulleted lists.
4. Front Load all elements of content with important information. Use Eye Catching Headlines. The main headline should be descriptive. The story should start with the main point. Each heading or subheading should be descriptive. The first sentence of every paragraph should be the most important. The first words in each sentence should be information-carrying and indicate what content will follow.
5. Consider adding a summary or list of highlights. Some sites go a step beyond and add a summary or a bulleted list of key points to further emphasize the main takeaways of the content.

Example of inverted pyramid style writing:

Who, What, Where, When, Why and How: Most Important Information

Yale Library Celebration

In celebration of its 75th anniversary of Sterling Memorial Library, the Sterling Memorial Library announces the “Treasures of the Yale Library,” a season of special events, lectures and tours between October and April, 2006. You can view more information about any of the anniversary events at: www.library.yale.edu/75th or email your questions to anniversary75th@yale.edu .

On October 3, the first event of the series will be held in the Memorabilia Room (inside the Wall Street entrance) between 10 a.m – 4 p.m. A schedule of events and activities throughout the day is listed below.

• Tour of the “Arts of the Book” Collection in Sterling 11 a.m. – please register at: anniversary75th@yale.edu
• Tour of the Preservation Department – see how rare, old or damaged books are repaired, restored and conserved 2 p.m.- please register at: anniversary75th@yale.edu
•  “Arts of the Book” Open House noon- 4 p.m.
• Manuscripts and Archives Open House – a chance to view close-up some of the treasures of this rich and diverse collection noon- 2 p.m.

Supporting Information

The day will also include an “Antiques Road Show” table, hosted by Manuscripts and Archives and the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Employees are welcome to bring old books and documents; the librarians can advise you about their history and preservation.

Additional Details

Brochures outlining the entire program will be available on campus next week. For more information about the events during the year, please visit the following web site http://www.library.yale.edu/75th. Please note that some of the library tours require registration beforehand and that space is limited.