Lead-ins

Definition

Lead-ins are introductory phrases or sentences that set the stage for a story or segment, grabbing the audience's attention while providing essential context. They play a crucial role in broadcast writing, as they can dictate the tone and direction of the piece, making it vital to adapt them according to the broadcast format being used.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Lead-ins should be concise and impactful, typically ranging from one to three sentences long, to maintain viewer engagement.
2. The style of lead-ins can vary greatly between formats such as news, entertainment, or sports, requiring writers to adapt their approach accordingly.
3. Effective lead-ins often include key information such as 'who, what, when, where,' and 'why,' establishing the importance of the story right away.
4. Broadcast lead-ins must consider audience demographics and preferences to ensure they resonate and hold attention effectively.
5. Using an active voice in lead-ins is recommended as it tends to be more dynamic and engaging for viewers.

Review Questions

• How do lead-ins influence the viewer's understanding of a broadcast story?
  • Lead-ins are crucial as they provide initial context and set the tone for the story, shaping how viewers perceive its importance. A well-crafted lead-in can grab attention and convey the essence of the story succinctly, ensuring that viewers are informed and engaged right from the start. The choice of words and structure in a lead-in can influence how seriously an audience takes the content that follows.
• Discuss how lead-ins differ across various broadcast formats and why this adaptability is important.
  • Lead-ins differ across formats like news, sports, and entertainment due to their unique audiences and purposes. For example, a news lead-in might focus on factual reporting with urgency, while a sports lead-in may incorporate excitement and anticipation. This adaptability is crucial because it helps maintain viewer interest and ensures that the content resonates with different audiences, ultimately affecting viewer retention and engagement.
• Evaluate the impact of using active versus passive voice in lead-ins on audience engagement.
  • Using an active voice in lead-ins significantly enhances audience engagement compared to passive voice. Active voice conveys immediacy and energy, making the story feel more relevant and urgent to viewers. When writers opt for active constructions, it not only captures attention but also drives home the narrative's urgency. Conversely, passive voice may create distance and dilute the impact of the message, potentially leading to viewer disengagement.

Related terms

Teasers: Short, engaging snippets or highlights that create anticipation for upcoming stories in a broadcast.

Soundbites: Brief clips or excerpts from interviews or speeches that encapsulate key points and resonate with the audience.

Voiceover: A technique where a voice narrates the story while visuals are displayed, often used to enhance storytelling.