What Is the Inverted Pyramid? Writing Like a News Story
The Art of Leading with the Conclusion
The inverted pyramid is a writing structure used in journalism for over 100 years. It's based on the fact that 80% of readers leave after the first paragraph. Presenting the conclusion first ensures busy readers don't miss the key point.
Step-by-Step
1
Lead: Concentrate who/what/why in the first paragraph
2
Body: Support with evidence, data, quotes
3
Tail: Supplementary info, context, related links
4
Test if reading first sentences of each paragraph captures the whole
Pros
- ✓ Core message delivered even if reader drops off
- ✓ Easy to edit — can cut from the end
Cons
- ✗ Not suitable for suspense/storytelling
- ✗ Weak motivation to read until the end
Use Cases
News articles / press releases
Slack/email business communication
SEO blog posts