Nail the Lede & Nut Graf

The opening lines of a story are like a firm handshake – they set the tone, capture attention and invite readers into the narrative.

Crafting a compelling lede and nut graf is essential for engaging readers from the start.

Lede: Grabbing Attention from the Start

The lede is the opening graf or sentence of an article, designed to hook readers and compel them to continue reading. It should be concise, attention-grabbing and encapsulate the essence of the story in a compelling manner. Rule of thumb, seven to 27 words max.

Techniques for Writing a Strong Lede:

1. Start with a Hook: Begin with a captivating anecdote, startling statistic or thought-provoking question to pique curiosity.
2. Set the Scene: Paint a vivid picture of the setting or central conflict to immerse readers in the story’s context.
3. Highlight Significance: Communicate the relevance and impact of the story’s subject matter, emphasizing why it matters to readers.

Nut Graf: Providing Context and Direction

Following the lede, the nut graf provides essential context and outlines the central reason of the story in a nutshell. It answers the who, what, when, where, why and how of the story.

It guides the readers through the narrative and sets expectations for what’s to come.

Elements of an Effective Nut Graf:

1. Summarize the Story: Concisely summarize the main points of the story, providing readers with a clear overview of what to expect.
2. Offer Context: Provide background information and context to help readers understand the significance of the story’s events or developments.
3. Establish Direction: Outline the direction of the story, indicating the key themes, conflicts, or questions that will be explored in further detail.

Your Storytelling Craft

Mastering the lede and nut graf is an essential skill for any journalist seeking to engage readers and deliver impactful storytelling. By harnessing the power of attention-grabbing hooks, succinct summaries and compelling context, you can captivate your audience from the first sentence and guide them through the heart of the story with clarity and purpose.

So, the next time you sit down to write an article, remember the importance of crafting a strong lede and nut graf, they’re your keys to unlocking the full potential of your storytelling prowess.

Happy writing.

Nichaela Shaheen