Strengthening Stories Workshop: Ledes, nut grafs, and self-editing

Facing a blank screen with a full notebook and the clock ticking toward deadline can be, well, daunting.

No matter your story topic or how much reporting material you have to work with, finding the hook to engage your reader within the first few lines or paragraphs is essential. Ledes and nut grafs that get to the core of your story take energy and focus — often lacking when time is short.

Join the National Press Club Journalism Institute for a writing-focused workshop that will help you craft ledes that grab the reader’s attention and identify your nut graf before getting too far into your writing process.

Whether you’re a seasoned writer looking for some inspiration or an early career journalist looking to jump start your storytelling, get back to the basics in this session led by Institute staff and journalists.

Participants will learn:

• Practical tips to punch up languid ledes
• Ways to quickly identify and focus nut grafs
• Approaches to story structure to rethink — or reshape — the narrative
• A new framework for self-editing that will improve or tighten your copy, guaranteed.
• Additional tips for effective storytelling

Speakers

• Beth Francesco, Executive Director at NPCJI
• Elliot C. Williams, Training Manager at NPCJI

Note: Your ticket includes access to a recording of the webinar after it has ended.