There are as many different ways to tell stories as there are stories to tell.
But how can you squeeze the anecdotes and emotion, the news peg and facts and figures into a short story that is a quick and easy read? If you are not breaking news (in that case: start with the news), here's one sure-fire formula to help get you started.
Paragraphs 1-2: The lede.
(Lede: Noun. lead, lead-in, the introductory section of a story)
- This is where you get your reader hooked into the story.
- Start with a short anecdote (no longer than two paragraphs) that shows (v. tells) the point of your story.
- Include vivid description and a telling quote.
- An anecdote could be about someone you helped, an amazing volunteer or employee, the non-profit's involvement in a newsy event (such as the California wildfires or helping steer wayward whales out to sea), or - particularly for newer non-profits - the "Ah-ha!" moment that led to the birth of the non-profit.
Paragraph 3: The nut graph.
- This is where you put the news peg and a reference to your organization, if it's not mentioned already: Why are you telling this story? Why now? What's the context? What are the key statistics that add oomph and/or urgency to your story?
Paragraph 4: The descriptor: Who are you?
- Briefly describe your organization, particularly as it applies to the anecdote/story you are telling. Details you might want to include: Age of the group; what you do; is it a model for programs in other parts of the country?
Paragraph 5: The kicker.
- Leave your reader on a strong note.
- Return to the anecdote: How did the situation turn out?
- Or go more global and end with an over-arching statement about how your non-profit is having an impact, along the lines of "we're changing the world" or "we're making life better for fill-in-the-blank."
- As with the lede, wrapping up with a powerful quote is a good, concise way to end the story.
