{"id":21797,"date":"2019-10-17T13:25:05","date_gmt":"2019-10-17T17:25:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/?p=21797"},"modified":"2020-12-08T08:26:16","modified_gmt":"2020-12-08T12:26:16","slug":"how-to-write-a-nut-graf","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/2019\/10\/how-to-write-a-nut-graf\/","title":{"rendered":"How to write a nut graf, or nut graph"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>Tell readers what you\u2019re going to tell \u2019em<\/h2>\n<p>If I came to your house and told you to grab your things and follow me, how far would you go? To the front door? The driveway? Would you hop in my car without further explanation?<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_21799\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-21799\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"21799\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/2019\/10\/how-to-write-a-nut-graf\/how-to-write-a-nut-graf-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/how-to-write-a-nut-graf.png\" data-orig-size=\"600,300\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"how-to-write-a-nut-graf\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Put the kernel of your story into a nutshell&lt;\/strong&gt;. That\u2019s your nut graph. &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.istockphoto.com\/photo\/walnut-gm174776421-22230717&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Image by kaanates&lt;\/em&gt;&lt;\/a&gt;&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/how-to-write-a-nut-graf-300x150.png\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/how-to-write-a-nut-graf.png\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/how-to-write-a-nut-graf.png\" alt=\"How to write a nut graf\" title=\"How to write a nut graf\" width=\"600\" height=\"300\" class=\"size-full wp-image-21799 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/how-to-write-a-nut-graf.png 600w, https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/how-to-write-a-nut-graf-300x150.png 300w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 600px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 600\/300;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"21799\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/2019\/10\/how-to-write-a-nut-graf\/how-to-write-a-nut-graf-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/how-to-write-a-nut-graf.png\" data-orig-size=\"600,300\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"how-to-write-a-nut-graf\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Put the kernel of your story into a nutshell&lt;\/strong&gt;. That\u2019s your nut graph. &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.istockphoto.com\/photo\/walnut-gm174776421-22230717&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Image by kaanates&lt;\/em&gt;&lt;\/a&gt;&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/how-to-write-a-nut-graf-300x150.png\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/how-to-write-a-nut-graf.png\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/how-to-write-a-nut-graf.png\" alt=\"How to write a nut graf\" title=\"How to write a nut graf\" width=\"600\" height=\"300\" class=\"size-full wp-image-21799\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/how-to-write-a-nut-graf.png 600w, https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/how-to-write-a-nut-graf-300x150.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-21799\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong>Put the kernel of your story into a nutshell<\/strong>. That\u2019s your nut graph. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.istockphoto.com\/photo\/walnut-gm174776421-22230717\"><em>Image by kaanates<\/em><\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>No matter how dazzling your scene-setting <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/writing-tips\/how-to-organize-an-article\/feature-story-structure\/\">feature lead<\/a>, at some point, readers want to know where we\u2019re going with this story. And that\u2019s the job of the nut paragraph, aka the nut graf. (This, by the way, is the nut graph for this story.)<\/p>\n<p>The nut graph is the transition from the lead. In the nut graph, writers and editors:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Explain the lead and its connection to the rest of the story<\/li>\n<li>Reveal your destination, or the essential theme of the story<\/li>\n<li>Set up the supporting material to explain the rest of the story<\/li>\n<li>Explain why the story is important to convince your readers to come along for the ride<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>You don\u2019t need a nut graph in news stories, but they\u2019re essential in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/writing-tips\/story-structure\/feature-structure\/\">feature-style stories<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Let&#8217;s pause and ponder <em>that <\/em>for a minute too.<\/p>\n<p>Here are four ways to crack the nut graph:<\/p>\n<h3>1. Tell \u2019em what you\u2019re going to tell \u2019em.<\/h3>\n<p>Remember the old writing guideline, \u201cTell \u2019em what you\u2019re going to tell \u2019em; tell \u2019em; then tell \u2019em what you told \u2019em?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The nut graph is where you tell \u2019em what you\u2019re going to tell \u2019em.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"21800\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/2019\/10\/how-to-write-a-nut-graf\/nut-graph-5\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/nut-graph.png\" data-orig-size=\"600,339\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"nut-graph\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/nut-graph-300x170.png\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/nut-graph.png\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/nut-graph.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"339\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-21800 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/nut-graph.png 600w, https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/nut-graph-300x170.png 300w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 600px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 600\/339;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"21800\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/2019\/10\/how-to-write-a-nut-graf\/nut-graph-5\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/nut-graph.png\" data-orig-size=\"600,339\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"nut-graph\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/nut-graph-300x170.png\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/nut-graph.png\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/nut-graph.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"339\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-21800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/nut-graph.png 600w, https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/nut-graph-300x170.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/noscript><\/p>\n<p>The nut graph \u2014 aka the \u201cbillboard\u201d or the \u201cso-what graph\u201d \u2014 is where you put the story into a nutshell. It explains why the story is timely and provides the kernel, or central theme, of your piece.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOnce you find that idea or thread, all the other anecdotes, illustrations, and quotes are pearls that hang on this thread,\u201d says Thomas Boswell, a <em>Washington Post<\/em> sports columnist. \u201cThe thread may seem very humble, the pearls may seem very flashy, but it\u2019s still the thread that makes the necklace.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>So the first step to writing a nut graph is to find that thread. In other words, you need to figure out your point, or story angle.<\/p>\n<h3>2. Summarize your story angle in one sentence.<\/h3>\n<p>One of my J-school professors used to say, \u201cIf you can\u2019t write your story angle on the back of my business card, you don&#8217;t know what your story\u2019s about yet.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"21801\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/2019\/10\/how-to-write-a-nut-graf\/nut-graph-1\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/nut-graph-1.png\" data-orig-size=\"600,339\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"nut-graph-1\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/nut-graph-1-300x170.png\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/nut-graph-1.png\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/nut-graph-1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"339\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-21801 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/nut-graph-1.png 600w, https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/nut-graph-1-300x170.png 300w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 600px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 600\/339;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"21801\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/2019\/10\/how-to-write-a-nut-graf\/nut-graph-1\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/nut-graph-1.png\" data-orig-size=\"600,339\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"nut-graph-1\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/nut-graph-1-300x170.png\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/nut-graph-1.png\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/nut-graph-1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"339\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-21801\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/nut-graph-1.png 600w, https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/nut-graph-1-300x170.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/noscript><\/p>\n<p>To figure out what your story is about, write a one-sentence walkaway. That\u2019s the one sentence you want your reader to \u2014 you got it! \u2014 walk away with after reading your piece. Then craft that so tightly that it will fit on the back of a business card:<\/p>\n<p>Your walkaway sentence should answer the readers\u2019 two most burning questions:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>What\u2019s your point?<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Why should I care?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Stuck? Try telling a friend who knows nothing about the story what it\u2019s about. Then capture that summary for your nut graph.<\/p>\n<p>Start every writing project with a one-sentence walkaway. It will help you figure what goes in, what stays out and how to frame your story. You might even tape it to your computer screen to keep it top of mind while you write.<\/p>\n<h3>3. Make a promise to your readers.<\/h3>\n<p>At <em>The Philadelphia Inquirer<\/em>, the nut graph is known as the \u201cYou may be wondering why we invited you to this party\u201d section, writes Chip Scanlan, affiliate faculty member at The Poynter Institute.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s also known as the R.A. paragraph, says Don Ranly, Ph.D., professor of journalism at the Missouri School of Journalism. That\u2019s as in \u201crat\u2019s ass,\u201d as in \u201cWho gives a rat\u2019s ass about this story?\u201d<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"21802\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/2019\/10\/how-to-write-a-nut-graf\/nut-graph-2-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/nut-graph-2.png\" data-orig-size=\"600,339\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"nut-graph-2\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/nut-graph-2-300x170.png\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/nut-graph-2.png\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/nut-graph-2.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"339\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-21802 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/nut-graph-2.png 600w, https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/nut-graph-2-300x170.png 300w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 600px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 600\/339;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"21802\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/2019\/10\/how-to-write-a-nut-graf\/nut-graph-2-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/nut-graph-2.png\" data-orig-size=\"600,339\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"nut-graph-2\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/nut-graph-2-300x170.png\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/nut-graph-2.png\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/nut-graph-2.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"339\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-21802\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/nut-graph-2.png 600w, https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/nut-graph-2-300x170.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/noscript><\/p>\n<p>The nut graph \u2014 aka the \u201cso-what graph\u201d \u2014 shows readers where the story is heading so they can decide whether they want to follow along. The nut graph is where you make a promise to your readers: <em>If you read this, you will learn \u2026<\/em><\/p>\n<p>So tell readers why it\u2019s important for them to read this story now. Don\u2019t drop the \u201cWhy should I care?\u201d angle of the story. The nut graph is a great place for a WIIFM or a reader benefit. Stuck? Try starting your walkaway sentence with <em>You.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Make sure someone gives a rat\u2019s ass. Want to grab readers\u2019 attention? Start with a dazzling feature lead. But if you want them to follow you throughout the story, follow up with a solid nut graph.<\/p>\n<h3>4. Keep it short.<\/h3>\n<p>Don\u2019t let your nut graph become the pig in the snake, counsels Jacqui Banaszynski.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI like the nut graph,\u201d says the Knight Chair in Editing at the Missouri School of Journalism and visiting faculty member of The Poynter Institute.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cReaders need a frame around the picture. But sometimes the nut graph sticks out like a pig going through a snake. The nut graph doesn\u2019t have to be a paragraph. Instead, it can be one elegant line that foreshadows the rest of the story.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"21803\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/2019\/10\/how-to-write-a-nut-graf\/nut-graph-3-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/nut-graph-3.png\" data-orig-size=\"600,338\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"nut-graph-3\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/nut-graph-3-300x169.png\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/nut-graph-3.png\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/nut-graph-3.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-21803 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/nut-graph-3.png 600w, https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/nut-graph-3-300x169.png 300w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 600px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 600\/338;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"21803\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/2019\/10\/how-to-write-a-nut-graf\/nut-graph-3-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/nut-graph-3.png\" data-orig-size=\"600,338\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"nut-graph-3\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/nut-graph-3-300x169.png\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/nut-graph-3.png\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/nut-graph-3.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-21803\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/nut-graph-3.png 600w, https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/nut-graph-3-300x169.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/noscript><\/p>\n<p>Roy Peter Clark, vice president and senior scholar of The Poynter Institute, agrees: \u201cThe \u2018nut\u2019 is supposed to signify the hard kernel of the story, what is at the center. But it\u2019s a clumsy metaphor, because it suggests there is a shell that has to be cracked to get to it.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s no fun for the reader, writes Kate Long, a writing coach for <em>The Charleston Gazette<\/em>: \u201cYou\u2019re eating this nice brownie, and suddenly you hit a chunk of dry flour.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>To keep your reader from choking on your nut graph, write a short, graceful summary that\u2019s in keeping with the tone and style of the rest of your piece.<\/p>\n<p>Summarize your point in a sentence or two. That\u2019s all you need for a nut graph.<\/p>\n<div id='MC-CYR-GBTIP' class='widgets_on_page wop_tiny1  wop_small1  wop_medium1  wop_large1  wop_wide1'>\n\t\t\t<ul><li id=\"custom_html-23\" class=\"widget_text widget widget_custom_html\"><div class=\"textwidget custom-html-widget\"><h3>What structure draws more readers?<\/h3>\r\n<p>Writers say, \u201cWe use the inverted pyramid because readers stop reading after the first paragraph.\u201d But in new research, readers say, \u201cWe stop reading after the first paragraph because you use the inverted pyramid.\u201d<a title=\"Catch Your Readers, a persuasive-writing workshop\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/corporate-communications-training\/corporate-communication-training-programs\/persuasive-writing-course\/\" target=\"\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/persuasive-writing-training.png\" alt=\"Catch Your Readers, a persuasive-writing workshop\" title=\"Catch Your Readers, a persuasive-writing workshop\" width=\"auto\" height=\"auto\" border=\"0\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 250px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 250\/250;float:left; text-align:left; margin: 0 auto; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 2px; margin-bottom: 10px; background-color: #000000; font-size: 18x; line-height: 22px; padding: 0px; color: #FFFFFF; max-width:100%; max-height:100%;\" class=\"img-max lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/persuasive-writing-training.png\" alt=\"Catch Your Readers, a persuasive-writing workshop\" title=\"Catch Your Readers, a persuasive-writing workshop\" width=\"auto\" height=\"auto\" border=\"0\" style=\"float:left; text-align:left; margin: 0 auto; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 2px; margin-bottom: 10px; background-color: #000000; font-size: 18x; line-height: 22px; padding: 0px; color: #FFFFFF; max-width:100%; max-height:100%;\" class=\"img-max\"><\/noscript><\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p>If the traditional news structure doesn\u2019t work, how should we organize our messages?<\/p>\r\n\t\r\n<p>Master a structure that\u2019s been proven in the lab to outperform the traditional news format at <a title=\"Catch Your Readers, a persuasive-writing workshop\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/corporate-communications-training\/corporate-communication-training-programs\/persuasive-writing-course\/\" target=\"\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Catch Your Readers<\/strong><\/a> \u2014 a persuasive-writing workshop.<\/p>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n<p>There, you\u2019ll learn an organizing scheme that grabs readers\u2019 attention, keeps it for the long haul and leaves a lasting impression.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"btn btn--depth\" style=\"text-align: center;  margin: 10px 0 20px; width:100%;\"><a id=\"btnTT\" style=\"\" title=\"BOOK NOW\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/corporate-communications-training\/corporate-communication-training-programs\/persuasive-writing-course\/\" target=\"\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-width=\"91\">BOOK NOW<\/a>\r\n<!-- [if mso]>\r\n<p style=\"line-height:0;margin:0;\"><v:roundrect xmlns:v=\"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wyliecomm.com\/corporate-communications-training\/corporate-communication-training-programs\/persuasive-writing-course\/\" style=\"width:153px\" arcsize=\"8%\" strokecolor=\"#D96237\" filled=\"t\"><v:fill type=\"gradient\" angle=\"180\" color=\"#f16522\" color2=\"#f16522\"><\/v:fill><v:textbox style=\"mso-fit-shape-to-text:t\" inset=\"0px,11px,0px,11px\"><center style=\"font-size:16px;line-height:24px;color:#FFFFFF;font-family:sans-serif;font-weight:bold;mso-line-height-rule:exactly;mso-text-raise:4px\">BOOK NOW<\/center><\/v:textbox><\/v:roundrect><\/p>\r\n<![endif]--><\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><!-- widgets_on_page -->\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Tell readers what you\u2019re going to tell \u2019em<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":21799,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[374],"tags":[333,263],"class_list":{"0":"post-21797","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-feature-leads","8":"tag-feature-structure","9":"tag-nut-graph","10":"entry"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v23.4 (Yoast SEO v23.6) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How to write a nut graf<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"How to write a nut graf: Put the kernel of your story into a nutshell. 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