Lead

Definition

In journalism, the lead is the opening sentence or paragraph of a news story that summarizes the main points and grabs the reader's attention. It serves as a hook, providing essential information and setting the tone for the rest of the article.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The lead can take various forms, including summary leads, which provide a concise overview of the story, and anecdotal leads, which tell a brief story to engage readers emotionally.
2. A well-crafted lead answers key questions such as who, what, when, where, why, and how, helping readers quickly understand the essence of the story.
3. Different types of stories may require different types of leads; for instance, hard news stories often use direct leads, while human interest stories might benefit from more creative leads.
4. In sports writing, a strong lead might highlight a significant play or turning point in a game to immediately capture fan interest.
5. Effective leads not only convey information but also entice readers to continue reading by creating curiosity or an emotional connection.

Review Questions

• How does a strong lead contribute to effective news storytelling?
  • A strong lead is crucial because it captures the reader's attention and conveys the most important aspects of the story right away. By summarizing key elements such as who was involved and what happened, it sets up the reader's expectations and engages them from the very beginning. An effective lead can encourage readers to continue exploring the article for more details and context.
• Compare and contrast summary leads with anecdotal leads in news writing.
  • Summary leads are straightforward and provide a quick overview of the main facts of a story, making them ideal for hard news articles. In contrast, anecdotal leads start with a compelling story or example to create an emotional connection with the reader. While summary leads focus on delivering essential information quickly, anecdotal leads aim to draw readers in through narrative and emotion. Each type serves its purpose depending on the nature of the news being reported.
• Evaluate the impact of different lead styles on reader engagement across various types of news stories.
  • Different lead styles can significantly influence reader engagement based on the type of news being presented. For hard news stories that demand immediate clarity, direct and concise leads can effectively inform readers about urgent events. Conversely, for feature or human interest stories, creative and emotional leads can create deeper connections and interest. Understanding when to use each style helps journalists tailor their writing to better engage their audience and convey their message effectively.

Related terms

Nut Graph: A paragraph that explains the significance of the story, often found after the lead, providing context and background information.

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

Kicker: A concluding line or sentence that provides a twist or an emotional ending to the story, often following the lead.