“The 5 Ws and an H” is shorthand for a reporting convenience helpful for all of us.
The 5 Ws are who, what, when, where, and why.
H stands for how.
In the Dark Ages when I trained as a newspaper reporter, I used them all the time to make sure I covered my stories completely.
They work equally well in any writing.
Before I finish, I review my work to make sure I’ve answered all six questions.
How do “5 Ws and an H” work?
Ideally, when a reporter (or even a “mere” writer) composes a story, the object is to get all the facts.
How do you know for sure if you answered all the questions your reader might have?
By examining your notes to make sure you, the interviewer, asked all the questions.
Photo by Adolfo Félix on Unsplash
Obviously, a good reporter would have other questions (I usually write in advance).
But the answers to some questions are so interesting, and invite so many more questions, that a writer can get lost in the rabbit trail.
That’s usually not a bad thing, unless you miss a basic fact like, “what time did this happen or when will it take place?”
Or maybe, “who did this?”
I’m always surprised at what I forget to ask.
5Ws and an H in real life.
I use them in real life even more than I do in my writing life.
They’ve been especially important in stressful situations.
If I’ve visited the doctor with my list of “complaints,” I ask the 5 Ws and an H questions.
Sometimes, though, the doctor provides directions or information that surprises me.
Maybe some sort of a blood test?
Especially if I wasn’t expecting the situation, I need to ask questions and write down what the doctor says.
Example:
Who: who is this for? An obvious answer–me.
But wait, maybe I need to know who needs the results.
Why do I need this test?
What do I do when I get the results? (See how you can follow a rabbit trail asking questions?)
When should I expect answers?
Where do I get the test? Or, perhaps where do the test results go?
How? Are the tests reported (liters, ounces, numbers, etc.)
Unexpected situations in which the questions can help
It’s not just medical. It’s any time there’s a lot riding on knowing answers.
More examples:
- Taking out a loan.
- Responding to a marriage proposal.
- Dealing with travel complications.
- Finding out what your teenager is up to.
- Divvying up work or volunteer responsibilities.
- Signing a contract.
What does Rudyard Kipling have to do with it?
In some odd corners of the world, the concept is called, The Kipling Method, in honor of the opening lines to his poem, I Keep Six Honest Serving Men.
I keep six honest serving-men
They taught me all I know;
Their names are What and Why and When
And How and Where and Who.
I Keep Six Honest Serving Men,
Kipling, of course, was not only a poet and a writer, but also a newspaper reporter.
(Here’s a great explanation of how to use the Six Honest Serving Men in writing).
Working the questions into general conversation
With enough practice, you can learn how to work these questions into a conversation without the person you’re talking with realizing it.
(My husband, after all these years, recognizes my technique too well.)
Many people like to talk about themselves. Many of us find ourselves in social situations where conversation is in order.
I often just interview people, not because I’m writing about them, but because it helps pass the time.
I’m also genuinely curious about people.
And merely asking comprehensive questions can make parties . . . far more entertaining.
Why not try it yourself? Who knows what you’ll learn?
Sometimes I get so engrossed in what we’re talking about, I don’t know when to leave . . . much less how to extricate myself from where am.
Those 5 Ws and an H can–and do–turn up everywhere.
Tweetables
How to use the 5Ws and an H in real life. Click to Tweet
5Ws and an H — the Kipling Method? Click to Tweet
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