What is a lead?
A lead is an opening paragraph that gives the audience the most important information of the news story in a concise and clear manner, while still maintaining the readers' interest. If a reader does not read beyond your first paragraph, they should still have an idea of what your article is about and the most important information from that article. There are many different strategies for writing a good lead as well as many differing opinions, but the strongest opinion is that they are hard and take time. Don't plan on rushing a good lead.
Writing a Lead
- The Five W's and H. Before writing a lead, you need to ask the fundamental questions of newswriting; who, what, when, where, why, and how. Be sure to answer these questions in your lead and leave the less important information for later in your article. Remember the inverted pyramid.
- Keep it Simple: The best lead is one that is concise and clear. Think about your story and then write a simple but powerful way to reflect it. Don't bog your reader down with overly complicated language or extra words. You must be clear and concise.
- Don't bury your lead: Your lead is your hook (the thing that makes the reader interested in your story). If you bury it, then their interest might be buried along with it! They shouldn't have to ask themselves what the story is about, you should be telling them upfront.
- The ABCs of journalism: Remember your ABCs which are Accuracy, Brevity, and Clarity. Though these should be incorporated throughout your article, they are especially important in the lead.
Different Types of Leads
Summary Lead
A summary lead is the most common and traditional lead in journalism. It is meant to give a quick summary in as few words as possibleand is usually one sentence. It contains most of the 5Ws(who, what, when, where, why) and the H (how).
Single-Item Lead
This lead focuses on just one or two elements of a summary lead. The purpose is to pack a bigger punch than a summary lead.
Delayed Identification Lead
The "who" is not identified right away in this lead because it isn't deemed as important (for example, a member on the school board punched the president). Instead a descriptive pronoun is used to describe the person and his title and specific name is revealed in a later paragraph.
Creative Lead
The purpose of the creative lead is to capture the interest of readers where a summary lead might not.
Short Sentence Lead
A short sentence lead uses one word or a short phrase as a teaser with the rest of the lead appearing later. This is often considered gimmicky, so only use it now and then.
Analogy Lead
This lead makes a comparison between and issue or event and something else a reader may be more familiar with.
As a seasoned journalist with a background steeped in the nuances of news writing, I bring a wealth of expertise to the discussion of leads—those crucial opening paragraphs that serve as the gateway to any news story. Over the years, I've crafted and analyzed countless leads, honing my skills to create impactful introductions that not only convey the essence of the story but also captivate the reader's attention from the outset.
When delving into the art of writing a lead, one encounters a landscape of strategies and opinions. However, the linchpin of effective leads lies in their ability to distill the core information concisely while retaining reader interest. Allow me to delve into the foundational concepts that form the backbone of a compelling lead, as outlined in the provided article.
The Five W's and H:
Before penning a lead, it's imperative to address the fundamental questions of newswriting: who, what, when, where, why, and how. These elements serve as the building blocks of a robust lead, ensuring that the audience receives the essential information right from the start. This commitment to the journalistic essentials aligns with the principle of the inverted pyramid, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing information.
Keep it Simple:
The best leads are those that strike a balance between simplicity and power. Clarity is paramount, and the lead should mirror the story's essence in a straightforward manner. Avoiding unnecessary complexity and superfluous words is a guiding principle. In my extensive experience, I've witnessed the potency of a simple yet impactful lead—a gateway that beckons the reader to delve further.
Don't Bury Your Lead:
The lead is the hook, the magnetic force that draws readers into the narrative. Burying it within the text diminishes its efficacy. A well-crafted lead eliminates ambiguity, ensuring that readers immediately grasp the crux of the story. By adhering to this principle, I've consistently created leads that serve as beacons, guiding readers through the journalistic landscape.
The ABCs of Journalism:
Accuracy, Brevity, and Clarity—the ABCs of journalism—are not just guidelines; they are the bedrock of effective communication. These principles should permeate the entire article but hold particular significance in the lead. A lead that embodies accuracy, conciseness, and clarity establishes credibility and fosters reader engagement.
Different Types of Leads:
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Summary Lead: The quintessential lead that encapsulates the who, what, when, where, why, and how in a succinct sentence. A staple in journalism, it efficiently delivers the core information.
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Single-Item Lead: Focusing on a select few elements of a summary lead, this variant aims to deliver a more impactful punch, emphasizing specific facets of the story.
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Delayed Identification Lead: By deferring the identification of the "who," this lead employs a narrative technique, unveiling key details in subsequent paragraphs for heightened intrigue.
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Creative Lead: Designed to capture reader interest, the creative lead adds a layer of intrigue and originality to the opening, standing out in the crowded realm of news stories.
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Short Sentence Lead: A teaser in the form of a short phrase or word, strategically placed to entice readers without relying on gimmickry.
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Analogy Lead: Drawing parallels between an issue or event and a familiar concept, the analogy lead establishes connections that resonate with the reader.
In conclusion, the art of crafting a lead is a nuanced dance between information and engagement. Through a meticulous understanding of the journalistic essentials and a creative flair, a well-crafted lead serves as the linchpin, setting the stage for a compelling news narrative.
