Writing a Lead: Hard vs Soft Leads

Writing a Lead

• A lead is the opening paragraph of a news story.
• It conveys the most important information clearly and concisely.
• It captures the reader's interest and gives a basic understanding of the article's content.
• There are 10 types of leads, but hard and soft leads are the most important.

Hard Leads

• Present critical information immediately.
• Suitable for urgent news stories.
• Example: "A massive earthquake struck the city at 2 PM today, causing widespread damage and panic among residents."
• Purpose: A hard lead gives the most critical information upfront.
• Used for urgent stories, significant events, public interest stories, or stories with concrete facts.

Soft Leads

• Use narrative techniques to engage readers.
• Used for non-urgent stories, features, or profiles.
• Example: "A single brushstroke can transform a blank canvas into a glimpse of paradise, and in Sarah Lane's studio, every stroke tells a story."
• Purpose: To draw in readers without overwhelming them with facts.

Other Types of Leads

• Summary Lead: Summarizes key facts (5 W's and H).
  • Example: "A 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck California early this morning, causing widespread damage and several injuries."
• Creative Lead: Uses a unique or imaginative angle to hook the reader.
  • Example: "Like a ship sailing into uncharted waters, the new policy could reshape the future of local education."
• Question Lead: Starts with a thought-provoking question to engage the reader.
  • Example: "What would you do if you suddenly lost everything in a natural disaster?"
• Analogy Lead: Makes a comparison to something familiar.
  • Example: "Starting a business is like planting a garden. You need patience, care, and the right conditions to make it grow."
• Delayed Identification Lead: Identifies the key subject later in the lead.
  • Example: "A local hero saved five children from a burning building late last night. His identity, however, was kept secret until later today."
• Offer Lead: Presents a compelling offer or resource.
  • Example: "Want to improve your productivity? Download our free guide on time management today!"
• Quotation Lead: Begins with a relevant quote from someone involved in the story.
  • Example: "This is a new chapter for our community,' said Mayor Johnson after the successful election results were announced."
• Anecdotal Lead: Starts with a short story or anecdote to hook the reader.
  • Example: "As a young boy, Mark always dreamed of flying. Now, at 30, he's the captain of a major airline."

Situations for Different Leads

• Breaking News: Use a hard lead.
• Significant Events: Use a hard lead.
• Public Interest: Use a hard lead.
• Concrete Facts: Use a hard lead.
• Feature Stories: Use a soft lead.
• Human Interest Stories: Use a soft lead.
• Creative or Literary Journalism: Use a soft lead, emphasizing style and depth.
• Complex Topics: Use a soft lead, providing context.
• When the audience needs engagement: use a soft lead to capture attention before giving the facts.

Writing a Good Lead

• Keep it simple: Use concise and clear language.
• Don't bury the lead: Place the most important information prominently.
• Accuracy, Brevity & Clarity: Make sure facts are correct, use concise language, and present information clearly.
• The Five W's and H: Before writing, address fundamental questions (Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How).
• Inverted Pyramid Structure: Most important information first.
• Audience & Publication: Tailor the lead to the audience and publication.

Applications of Leads

• News Websites
• Opinion Pieces
• Lifestyle Magazines
• Travel Writing

Explore the key components of writing an effective lead in news stories. This quiz covers the differences between hard and soft leads, providing examples and insights into their best uses. Test your understanding of how to capture reader interest right from the start.