Lede

Definition

The lede is the opening sentence or paragraph of a news story that summarizes the main point and grabs the reader's attention. It's crucial in journalism as it sets the tone for the entire piece and encourages readers to keep reading. A strong lede not only conveys essential information but also intrigues the audience, making them want to know more about the story.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ledes can take various forms, such as straight news ledes that present facts, or creative ledes that use storytelling techniques to engage readers.
2. The length of a lede can vary; while traditional news writing favors concise sentences, more modern approaches allow for longer, descriptive openings.
3. An effective lede should answer key questions like who, what, where, when, why, and how, providing a snapshot of the story.
4. Different types of stories require different styles of ledes; for example, breaking news might use a straightforward approach, while feature stories might employ a more narrative style.
5. Ledes are critical in capturing reader interest quickly, especially in a digital age where audiences often skim headlines and openings.

Review Questions

• What are some key characteristics of an effective lede in journalism?
  • An effective lede should be engaging and informative, quickly summarizing the main point of the story while grabbing the reader's attention. It typically answers essential questions such as who, what, where, when, why, and how. The style may vary depending on the type of story; for example, straight news articles often use concise and factual ledes, whereas feature stories may utilize more creative and descriptive approaches.
• Compare and contrast different types of ledes and their effectiveness in various types of news stories.
  • Different types of ledes serve distinct purposes in journalism. Straight news ledes focus on delivering essential facts quickly and clearly, which is crucial for breaking news stories. In contrast, feature leads may use narrative elements to draw readers in through storytelling, making them more suitable for in-depth articles or human interest stories. The effectiveness of each type depends on the audience's needs and the nature of the story being told.
• Evaluate how a well-crafted lede can impact reader engagement and the overall success of a news story.
  • A well-crafted lede significantly impacts reader engagement by determining whether they will continue reading or move on to something else. In today's fast-paced information landscape, where readers often skim headlines, a compelling lede can make all the difference in attracting attention. Furthermore, a strong opening sets the tone for the entire article; if it effectively summarizes key points and piques curiosity, it enhances the overall success of the story by encouraging deeper exploration of the content.

Related terms

Nut Graf: A paragraph that explains the significance of the story, often placed after the lede to provide context.

Inverted Pyramid: A style of writing where the most important information is presented first, followed by supporting details.

Feature Lead: A type of lede that uses a narrative style to draw readers in with an interesting anecdote or scene setting.