Lede

Definition

A lede is the opening sentence or paragraph of a news story, crafted to grab the reader's attention and summarize the most important information. It serves as the hook that draws readers into the story, providing them with a quick snapshot of the content and encouraging further reading. In long-form digital storytelling, the lede can set the tone and context, making it crucial for engaging an audience from the outset.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The lede typically answers the who, what, when, where, why, and how of a story, allowing readers to quickly grasp essential details.
2. In long-form storytelling, a strong lede is even more critical as it sets expectations and draws readers into a more in-depth narrative.
3. Ledes can take various forms: straight news ledes are straightforward and factual, while creative ledes may use anecdotes or quotes to engage readers.
4. Effective ledes often employ active voice and vivid language to create a sense of urgency and immediacy.
5. Journalists must balance brevity with clarity when writing a lede, ensuring it is concise yet informative enough to stand alone.

Review Questions

• How does a lede function in engaging an audience for long-form digital storytelling?
  • In long-form digital storytelling, a lede is essential for capturing the reader's interest right from the start. It provides a snapshot of the main themes or events in the narrative, which helps readers determine whether they want to invest time in reading further. A well-crafted lede not only summarizes key details but also sets the tone and context for what follows, making it an indispensable tool for engagement.
• Discuss how different styles of ledes can impact reader engagement in digital narratives.
  • Different styles of ledes can significantly impact reader engagement by varying in tone, structure, and creativity. A straight news lede provides essential information quickly and efficiently, appealing to readers who prioritize facts. In contrast, a creative lede may use storytelling elements or vivid imagery to evoke emotions or curiosity. By choosing an appropriate style based on the audience and content type, writers can effectively enhance engagement levels in digital narratives.
• Evaluate the importance of balancing brevity and clarity in writing a lede within the context of long-form digital storytelling.
  • Balancing brevity and clarity in writing a lede is crucial in long-form digital storytelling because it ensures that the opening effectively captures attention while conveying essential information. A concise yet informative lede allows readers to quickly grasp key details without feeling overwhelmed or bored. If a lede is too vague or lengthy, it may lose potential readers' interest before they delve into the richer content. Therefore, writers must master this balance to craft compelling ledes that invite further exploration of their narratives.

Related terms

Nut Graph: A paragraph that explains the significance of the story and outlines its main themes or angles, often placed after the lede.

Inverted Pyramid: A writing style that presents the most important information at the beginning of a story, followed by supporting details in order of decreasing importance.

Teaser: A short, intriguing statement or question meant to entice readers and encourage them to read more of the content.