Strengthening Stories Workshop: Ledes, Nut Grafs, and Self Editing

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 virtually on Friday, July 10, for a return of last year’s popular writing 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.

Journalists and communicators who participated in the first Strengthening Stories workshop in 2025 praised the program: “I’m a journalist of 32 years but have always struggled with nut grafs, so the tips I learned were really helpful,” shared one attendee.

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.

When: Friday, July 10 | Noon to 2:30 p.m.

Where: Zoom (Virtual) | Registrants will receive the Zoom meeting link within 48 hours of the event.

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

Here’s what other past participants have said:

“[I] really appreciated the interactive portions and opportunity to discuss with fellow reporters.”

“The program was very well-organized, and it was really helpful to do hands-on exercises and see how others had tackled those same exercises. I also found it helpful how nut grafs were defined by the instructors.”

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