Lede

Definition

A lede is the opening sentence or paragraph of a news story that summarizes the most important aspects of the article, capturing the reader's attention and providing essential information. It sets the tone for the story and is crucial in hard news writing as it conveys who, what, when, where, why, and how in a concise manner. A strong lede encourages readers to continue engaging with the rest of the article.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ledes can be direct or indirect; direct ledes state the main point clearly, while indirect ledes might engage the reader with a narrative or interesting detail before revealing the main point.
2. The lede typically contains key elements such as who, what, when, where, why, and how to ensure clarity and comprehensiveness right from the start.
3. A well-crafted lede is critical for drawing readers in since many people only skim headlines and opening sentences before deciding whether to read further.
4. In hard news writing, ledes should be concise and straight to the point, usually no more than one or two sentences long.
5. Different types of stories may call for different lede styles; breaking news might require a more urgent and straightforward approach compared to feature stories that may use more creative ledes.

Review Questions

• How does a well-structured lede impact the reader's engagement with a news story?
  • A well-structured lede significantly impacts reader engagement by summarizing key information and capturing attention right from the start. If readers find the opening compelling and informative, they are more likely to continue reading the article. Therefore, a strong lede plays a crucial role in ensuring that the essential details are highlighted effectively, setting the tone for the rest of the piece.
• Compare and contrast direct and indirect ledes in terms of their effectiveness in hard news writing.
  • Direct ledes effectively communicate essential information upfront, making them suitable for hard news writing where clarity is paramount. In contrast, indirect ledes often use narrative elements to hook readers' interest before revealing key facts. While direct ledes provide immediate context and urgency, indirect ledes can create intrigue and draw readers into the story's emotional aspects. The choice between these styles depends on the nature of the story being told.
• Evaluate how different styles of ledes affect the overall tone and perception of a news article.
  • Different styles of ledes can greatly influence both the tone and perception of a news article. For example, a straightforward direct lede establishes an authoritative tone that conveys urgency and seriousness, making it ideal for hard news. On the other hand, an indirect or creative lede can evoke curiosity or emotional resonance, offering a softer approach that invites readers to explore further. This variation in style affects how readers perceive not only the content but also the journalist's intent, framing their understanding of the topic at hand.

Related terms

nut graf: A paragraph that explains the significance of the story and provides context, often following the lede.

inverted pyramid: A style of writing where the most important information is presented first, followed by supporting details in order of decreasing significance.

quote: A direct citation from a source used to provide insight, evidence, or human interest in a news story.