Attention-grabber

Definition

An attention-grabber is a compelling opening statement or element in journalism that captures the reader's interest and encourages them to read further. This technique is crucial in lead writing as it sets the tone for the article and engages the audience from the very start. An effective attention-grabber can take various forms, including a provocative question, a surprising fact, or a vivid image that resonates with the reader.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Attention-grabbers are essential for engaging readers quickly, especially in an age where attention spans are short.
2. They can take many forms, such as startling statistics, emotional anecdotes, or intriguing quotes that relate to the article's topic.
3. An effective attention-grabber should be relevant to the main point of the story to maintain coherence and provide context.
4. Using strong visuals alongside an attention-grabber can enhance its effectiveness by appealing to both visual and textual readers.
5. Journalists often experiment with different types of attention-grabbers in their leads to find what resonates best with their audience.

Review Questions

• How does an attention-grabber enhance the effectiveness of a lead in journalism?
  • An attention-grabber enhances the effectiveness of a lead by immediately captivating the reader's interest and encouraging them to continue reading. It sets the stage for the rest of the article by creating curiosity and engagement. By using strong opening statements or compelling facts, journalists can draw readers in and provide a hook that makes them want to learn more about the topic being covered.
• Evaluate different types of attention-grabbers and their potential impact on reader engagement in news articles.
  • Different types of attention-grabbers, such as provocative questions, shocking statistics, or emotional narratives, can significantly impact reader engagement. For instance, a startling statistic can create urgency and encourage readers to reflect on its implications, while an emotional narrative may evoke empathy and connection. Understanding which type works best for specific audiences or topics is crucial for journalists seeking to maximize their impact and reach.
• Create a short news lead that incorporates an effective attention-grabber and analyze its strengths.
  • Imagine a lead that starts with: 'Every day, 22 veterans take their own lives – a statistic that begs for urgent action.' This opening uses a shocking statistic as an attention-grabber that evokes strong emotions and compels readers to care about veteran mental health issues. The strength of this lead lies in its ability to highlight a pressing problem while encouraging readers to engage with the article to understand more about potential solutions and ongoing initiatives aimed at addressing this crisis.

Related terms

Lead: The introductory part of a news story that summarizes the most important aspects and hooks the reader's attention.

Inverted Pyramid: A style of writing where the most critical information is presented first, followed by supporting details, often used in journalism to maintain reader interest.

Hook: A phrase or statement used to draw in readers at the beginning of a story, closely related to the concept of an attention-grabber.