Inverted Pyramid

An inverted pyramid serves as a design standard of news delivery and tech writing. The AP Stylebook endorses the use of this model making it the most widespread design of journalism and media writing.

Error creating thumbnail: File missing

Organizing Content

The inverted pyramid is constructed by placing the most important information first. The explanation or supporting details that make the headline and attention grabbing information true should follow. Lastly, general details may close the article. These details will be the least likely to be read. In the event that these details are cut, the article should not suffer.

The 5 Ws

The 5 Ws help the author determine the most important information. According to inverted pyramid style, these questions should be answered in the first paragraph.

• Who? Well known names should be in the heading. Others may go in the first paragraph depending on the subject.
• What? Readers visit sites to discover current news or results of practices. Essentially the first paragraph or headline should answer the question, "What's happening?"
• When?
• Where?
• Why?

Purpose for Tech Writing

The inverted pyramid contributes to scan-ability. Placement of the most essential information at the beginning of an article or entry allows the reader to get what he needs without scrolling. Site visitors read less on the web than in print. Bloggers should implement the inverted pyramid to share need-to-know information quickly and retain frequent visitors.

References

1. Carroll, Brian. (2010). Writing for Digital Media. New York: Routledge. Retrieved 14 March 2013.
2. Inverted Pyramid Style Retrieved 2 April 2013.