Teaser lead

Definition

A teaser lead is a brief introduction to a news story that aims to grab the audience's attention and entice them to keep watching or reading. This type of lead often uses suspense, intrigue, or emotional appeal, presenting just enough information to spark curiosity without revealing all the details. Teaser leads are essential in broadcast journalism as they set the tone for the story and encourage viewers to stay tuned for more information.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Teaser leads are typically no longer than one or two sentences, making them quick and impactful.
2. They often focus on a specific, surprising aspect of a story to pique interest, leaving viewers wanting more.
3. Effective teaser leads create urgency and excitement, prompting audiences to stay engaged with the newscast.
4. These leads can vary in tone from serious to lighthearted, depending on the nature of the story being presented.
5. Teaser leads are particularly common in breaking news segments and major events where viewer attention is crucial.

Review Questions

• How does a teaser lead differ from other types of leads in news writing?
  • A teaser lead is designed to create intrigue and encourage viewers to stay engaged by providing limited information about a story. In contrast, other types of leads, such as summary leads, aim to give a more comprehensive overview of the main facts right away. Teaser leads focus on suspense or emotional appeal, while summary leads typically present the who, what, when, where, and why more directly.
• What techniques can be used in crafting an effective teaser lead?
  • Crafting an effective teaser lead involves using techniques such as suspenseful phrasing, intriguing questions, or emotionally charged language that connects with the audience. It's important to highlight a specific angle of the story that stands out without giving everything away. The goal is to create a sense of urgency and curiosity that motivates viewers to continue watching or reading for more details.
• Evaluate the impact of teaser leads on viewer engagement during news broadcasts.
  • Teaser leads play a crucial role in enhancing viewer engagement during news broadcasts by capturing attention right from the start. They set the stage for what’s to come and make audiences feel invested in the story. When done effectively, teaser leads can significantly increase viewership retention rates by creating anticipation and excitement, which is particularly important in today's competitive media landscape where capturing attention is vital.

Related terms

lead-in: The transitional statement used by a news anchor to introduce a story, which may include context or background information.

soundbite:

A short, impactful audio clip from an interview or speech that captures a key point or emotion, often used in news segments.

b-roll:

Supplementary footage that complements the main story, often used to provide visual context or enhance storytelling.