Taking an important event or development and turning it into an engaging story is one of the most challenging things that reporters do. This is especially true when the topic is complicated or involves a lot of new information. The goal is to create a compelling narrative that will engage readers, grab their attention and keep them engaged throughout the article.
When writing a top story, start with the most impactful part of the news. This is usually the most significant fact, statistic or piece of information related to the topic at hand. This is called the inverted pyramid model, and it helps to grab attention from readers. Once you’ve grabbed the reader’s attention, add more details that help to develop your story’s context. Ensure that these details answer the most pressing questions about the news item.
Finally, conclude your top story with a quote from someone who can help readers understand the topic. This is called bookending a story and is a great way to end the narrative on a powerful note. The quote should also help to strengthen the story’s overall credibility and add another layer of authority to it.
Some top stories may include a visual element such as an infographic. This can be helpful to readers because it can provide more context and can explain difficult concepts in a concise way. The graphical elements can also be useful in breaking down complex information and statistics into more digestible pieces of information.
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