Writing the Lead Telling the story and grabbing

Writing the Lead Telling the story and grabbing the reader’s attention at the same time

What is a Lead? • The lead is the beginning of a news story that often contains one sentence between 30 – 45 words.

Lead Example A 16 -year-old West High School sophomore is in critical condition today at River City Hospital after being treated for smoke inhalation at his home last night. We now know the basics of this story.

The Lead’s Job • Tell the reader what the story is about • Make the reader want to read the story • Create the proper mood for the story

To Write a Good Lead, You Must: • Cut to the essence of the story – What is the story about? • Write succinctly – Write very concisely • Grab the readers’ attention – Make them WANT to read the story. – You will either catch or lose the reader within the first paragraph. This is why the must be the strongest area of your story.

Qualities of a Good Lead • Informative – What is the story about? • Brief – Short enough not to lose the readers’ attention but long enough to give the necessary details. • Accurate – All information is TRUE. • Simple – No complex sentences or ideas presented in the lead.

Qualities of a Good Lead • Direct – No flowery language. Simple to understand. • Active – Written in active, not passive, voice. • Objective – Reporter’s opinion is left out. • Colorful – Uses descriptive language. • Good Taste – The writing will not offend the average person.

Checklist for Lead Writing • Does the first word or phrase tell the most important idea in the story? • Is the “who” of the story fully disclosed with name AND title or job description included? • Is the “what” of “what happened” up to date, emphasizing the “today” or future angle if possible?

Checklist for Lead Writing • Are the questions “when” and “where” answered but secondary to more important information. • Are the “how” and “why” given a prominent place in the lead if they apply? • If the lead is long, has it been broken into two sentences or paragraphs for emphasis and easy reading?

Checklist for Lead Writing • Does the lead consider the “so what” consequences of the news? • Does the lead really catch the “spirit” of the news story? • Is the lead free from spelling or grammar errors? • Have names been checked for spelling?

Checklist for Lead Writing • Are there unnecessary words or details? • Is the authority, or source, suggested or explicitly named? • Could the lead be cut from the rest of the story and published by itself? • Is the lead written as colorfully as possible? • Is the lead slanted toward the reader?