Writing a Lead: Hard and Soft Leads PDF

WRITING A LEAD The opening paragraph of a news article is referred to as the "lead" or "lede." - A lead is the opening paragraph of a news story. - It conveys the most important information in a clear, concise manner. - It captures the reader's interest and provide a basi...

WRITING A LEAD The opening paragraph of a news article is referred to as the "lead" or "lede." - A lead is the opening paragraph of a news story. - It conveys the most important information in a clear, concise manner. - It captures the reader's interest and provide a basic understanding of the article's content. There are 10 types of leads, but the main ones are: Hard leads and soft leads - We must first understand these two - Both are essential for capturing reader engagement. - The choice between hard and soft leads sets the tone for the article. 1. Hard Leads Present critical information immediately. Suitable for urgent news stories. Example: It typically starts with impactful information, e.g., "A massive earthquake struck the city at 2 PM today, causing widespread damage and panic among residents." Purpose of hard leads: A hard lead is a straightforward and factual opening sentence in a news story that delivers the most critical information immediately. Situations: 1. Breaking News: Use a hard lead for immediate, urgent stories (e.g., natural disasters, accidents, major political events). Prioritize delivering essential information quickly to inform readers. 2. Significant Events: Employ a hard lead for stories with high news value, such as large-scale protests, court verdicts, or significant economic developments. 3. Public Interest: When the story has the potential to impact a broad audience or community, a hard lead effectively captures attention. 4. When Concrete Facts Are Available: Use a hard lead to present these details clearly and concisely. 2. Soft Leads - Use narrative techniques to draw readers in. - Appropriate for non-urgent stories, features, and profiles that benefit from emotional or curiosity-driven engagement. - Used when the story is not urgent and aims to engage the audience with narrative elements. Example: It starts with narrative elements, e.g., "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 of a Soft Lead: To draw readers in without overwhelming them with critical information. Situations: 1. Feature Stories: - Ideal for feature articles that aim to engage readers with a narrative or compelling story. - Soft leads help build interest and draw readers into the piece. 2. Human Interest Stories: - Effective for stories focusing on people, emotions, or personal experiences. - Establishes a connection between the reader and the subject matter. 3. Creative or Literary Journalism: - Used in narrative-driven journalism where storytelling is key. - Allows for a more artistic approach, emphasizing style and depth. 4. Complex Topics: - Suitable for introducing complicated issues that require context. 5. When the audience needs engagement: - Helps capture the reader's attention before presenting the main facts. OTHER TYPES OF LEADS: 3. Summary Lead: Summarizes the key facts, addressing the 5 W's and H. "A 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck California early this morning, causing widespread damage and several injuries." 4. Creative Lead: Uses a unique or imaginative angle to hook the reader. "Like a ship sailing into uncharted waters, the new policy could reshape the future of local education." 5. Question Lead: Starts with a thought-provoking question to engage the reader. "What would you do if you suddenly lost everything in a natural disaster?" 6. Analogy Lead Makes a comparison to something more familiar to help readers relate. "Starting a business is like planting a garden. You need patience, care, and the right conditions to make it grow." 7. Delayed Identification Lead The key subject is not identified immediately but revealed later. “A local hero saved five children from a burning building late last night. His identity, however, was kept secret until later today." 8. Offer Lead Presents a compelling offer or resource at the beginning. "Want to improve your productivity? Download our free guide on time management today!" 9. Quotation Lead: Begins with a relevant or impactful quote from someone involved in the story. “This is a new chapter for our community,' said Mayor Johnson after the successful election results were announced." 10. Anecdotal Lead Starts with a short story or anecdote to hook the reader. “As a young boy, Mark always dreamed of flying. Now, at 30, he's the captain of a major airline." Together, the hard and soft leads are considered the main types of leads because these represent the core approaches to crafting an opening paragraph, depending on the tone, urgency, and purpose of the story. They help set the overall direction of the article, whether it’s informative and direct or engaging and thoughtful. In writing a lead, you should first think about: Which Type of Lead Should You Write? This depends on a few factors. Ask yourself: Who is your audience? - Tailor your words to those reading the post. Where will this article be published? - Match the site’s tone and language. What are you writing about? - Certain topics naturally lend themselves to creativity, while others beg for a “just the facts” presentation. These are the strategies for writing a good lead: 1. The Five W's and H: Before writing, address the fundamental questions: Who? , What? , When? , Where? , Why? and How? Ensure these elements are included in the lead while reserving less critical details for later sections. What: State what happened. When: Include the time of the event. Where: Mention the location. Why: Explain the significance or reason behind the event. How: Describe the process or manner in which it occurred. Follow the inverted pyramid structure (most important information first). 2. Keep it Simple: - Use concise and clear language. - Avoid using overly complex language or unnecessary words to maintain clarity. 3. Don't Bury Your Lead: - Your lead is the hook that draws readers in; place it prominently. - Ensure that the main idea of the story is evident right away—readers shouldn't have to guess what the article is about. 4. The ABCs of Journalism: - Accuracy: Make sure all facts presented are correct. - Brevity: Be concise; be as brief as possible while still conveying essential information. - Clarity: Present information in a straightforward manner. 5. Use Active Verbs - Opt for active voice to create a more dynamic and engaging reading experience. Leads can be used not only in news articles but also across various forms of writing in journalism, such as: Magazines (Feature Stories) Blogs News Websites (Breaking News) Opinion Pieces (Editorials) Lifestyle magazines Travel Writing