4.2 Types of Leads and Their Applications

Journalistic leads are crucial for capturing readers' attention and setting the tone for a story. From summary leads that provide quick facts to anecdotal leads that paint vivid pictures, each type serves a unique purpose in storytelling.

Choosing the right lead depends on factors like story genre, tone, audience, and complexity. Effective leads are concise, use active voice, incorporate novelty, maintain clarity, and create smooth transitions. Evaluating lead effectiveness helps writers refine their craft and engage readers more effectively.

Types of Leads

Types of journalistic leads

Top images from around the web for Types of journalistic leads

• 

  Descriptive Writing – The Scholarship of Writing in Nursing Education: 1st Canadian Edition View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Text: Distinguishing Features of Reading Types | Basic Reading and Writing View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Frontiers | FIJI: A Framework for the Immersion-Journalism Intersection View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Descriptive Writing – The Scholarship of Writing in Nursing Education: 1st Canadian Edition View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Text: Distinguishing Features of Reading Types | Basic Reading and Writing View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Types of journalistic leads

• 

  Descriptive Writing – The Scholarship of Writing in Nursing Education: 1st Canadian Edition View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Text: Distinguishing Features of Reading Types | Basic Reading and Writing View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Frontiers | FIJI: A Framework for the Immersion-Journalism Intersection View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Descriptive Writing – The Scholarship of Writing in Nursing Education: 1st Canadian Edition View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Text: Distinguishing Features of Reading Types | Basic Reading and Writing View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Summary lead
  • Answers 5W1H questions (Who, What, When, Where, Why, How) provides concise overview of main story elements
  • Commonly used in hard news stories (breaking news, political events)
• Anecdotal lead
  • Begins with brief story or incident illustrates larger point or theme
  • Often used in feature articles or human interest stories (profile pieces, community events)
• Descriptive lead
  • Paints vivid picture using sensory details creates atmosphere and sets scene
  • Effective for travel writing or event coverage (music festivals, natural disasters)
• Question lead
  • Poses thought-provoking question engages readers encourages curiosity
  • Useful for opinion pieces or analytical articles (editorials, trend analysis)
• Quote lead
  • Starts with compelling quote from source immediately introduces key perspective
  • Effective for personality-driven stories (celebrity interviews, political speeches)
• Contrast lead
  • Presents opposing ideas or situations highlights differences creates interest
  • Useful for stories about conflicts or changes (social issues, technological advancements)

Selection of appropriate leads

• Consider story genre
  • Hard news: Summary lead for immediate information (terrorist attacks, election results)
  • Feature articles: Anecdotal or descriptive lead for engagement (human interest stories, cultural events)
• Evaluate story's tone
  • Serious topics: Summary or contrast lead (economic reports, environmental crises)
  • Lighthearted stories: Anecdotal or question lead (local festivals, quirky human interest pieces)
• Assess target audience
  • General public: Summary lead for quick understanding (natural disasters, major sports events)
  • Niche readers: Descriptive or quote lead for deeper engagement (scientific discoveries, industry-specific news)
• Analyze story's complexity
  • Simple stories: Summary lead for clarity (traffic updates, weather reports)
  • Complex topics: Anecdotal or contrast lead to ease readers in (technological innovations, geopolitical conflicts)
• Consider publication medium
  • Print: Longer, more detailed leads (magazine features, investigative reports)
  • Online: Shorter, more attention-grabbing leads (news websites, social media posts)

Crafting effective story openings

• Keep it concise
  • Aim for 25-30 words maximum focuses on one main idea or angle
  • Example: "In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists at MIT have developed a new type of battery that could revolutionize electric vehicles, potentially doubling their range on a single charge"
• Use active voice
  • Employ strong verbs to create impact avoids passive constructions
  • Example: "Protesters stormed the capital building, demanding immediate action on climate change"
• Incorporate novelty
  • Present unique or surprising information avoids clichés and overused phrases
  • Example: "For the first time in recorded history, penguins have been observed using tools to build their nests"
• Maintain clarity
  • Use simple, straightforward language avoids jargon or technical terms without explanation
  • Example: "The new healthcare bill, if passed, would provide free annual check-ups for all citizens"
• Include relevant details
  • Provide context for the story omits unnecessary information
  • Example: "In the wake of the devastating earthquake that struck Tokyo last night, rescue teams are working around the clock to locate survivors"
• Create smooth transition
  • Ensure lead flows naturally into body of story uses transitional phrases or sentences when needed
  • Example: "As the dust settles on yesterday's historic election, analysts are now turning their attention to the challenges that lie ahead for the new administration"

Evaluation of lead effectiveness

• Summary lead
  • Strengths:
    • Provides immediate, crucial information ideal for breaking news (terrorist attacks, natural disasters)
    • Works well for time-sensitive stories (election results, sports outcomes)
  • Weaknesses:
    • Can be dry or unengaging if overused
    • May not work well for complex or nuanced stories (scientific discoveries, social issues)
• Anecdotal lead
  • Strengths:
    • Humanizes story creates emotional connection (personal triumph stories, community profiles)
    • Effective for long-form journalism or feature articles (magazine pieces, in-depth reports)
  • Weaknesses:
    • May delay delivery of crucial information
    • Can be too lengthy for some news formats (breaking news, short online articles)
• Descriptive lead
  • Strengths:
    • Creates vivid imagery and atmosphere engages readers' senses (travel articles, event coverage)
    • Works well for scene-setting in feature stories (cultural festivals, historical reenactments)
  • Weaknesses:
    • May not convey essential information quickly
    • Can be ineffective for urgent or hard news stories (political announcements, crime reports)
• Question lead
  • Strengths:
    • Encourages reader engagement and curiosity (thought-provoking editorials, trend analysis)
    • Works well for opinion pieces or analytical articles (social commentary, technology predictions)
  • Weaknesses:
    • Overuse can become predictable or irritating
    • May not provide enough context for complex topics (scientific breakthroughs, economic policies)
• Quote lead
  • Strengths:
    • Adds credibility and human interest (celebrity interviews, expert opinions)
    • Effective for stories centered on key statement or personality (political speeches, whistleblower revelations)
  • Weaknesses:
    • Can be overused or cliché if not carefully selected
    • May not provide enough context without additional information (complex legal cases, technical innovations)
• Contrast lead
  • Strengths:
    • Highlights conflicts or changes effectively (social issues, technological advancements)
    • Creates intrigue and encourages further reading (before-and-after stories, competing viewpoints)
  • Weaknesses:
    • Can oversimplify complex issues if not handled carefully
    • May not work well for stories without clear contrasts (routine news updates, straightforward announcements)