ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the basic requirements of a powerful, deadline story, beginning first with choices of story forms. Journalistic writing, for better or worse, often falls into distinct organizational patterns or story forms. In terms of criticism, inverted pyramid stories often repeat the most important facts three times, in the headline, the lead paragraph, and then by elaborating in the body of the story. The story would begin with a summary at the top of the most important points and might even include a list of the main points. It would then convert into a more natural story, likely in narrative or chronological form, explaining how the situation developed. Quotes are a favorite way to end stories, although some writers complain that the device is overused and has become a cop-out. Still, there is a sense of satisfaction in hearing speakers observe or sum up the situation in their own words.
