7.2 Developing compelling leads and conclusions

Crafting compelling leads and conclusions is crucial for magazine writers. These elements hook readers, set the tone, and leave lasting impressions. From informative summaries to vivid descriptions, leads come in various styles to engage audiences.

Powerful conclusions tie everything together, reinforcing key messages without rehashing content. They often connect back to the lead, creating a satisfying full-circle experience. Mastering these techniques elevates your writing and keeps readers coming back for more.

Attention-grabbing Leads

Purpose and Techniques

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• Lead (lede) opens magazine article to hook reader and introduce main topic
• Employs anecdotes, questions, startling statistics, or vivid descriptions to engage interest
• Establishes tone, style, and focus of article, setting expectations
• Provides clear, concise preview of content without revealing too much
• Ranges from one to three paragraphs depending on article type and publication
• Tailored to target audience interests, knowledge level, and expectations
• Seamlessly transitions into body of article, maintaining reader engagement

Structure and Adaptation

• Crafted to entice readers to continue reading
• Length varies based on article type (feature articles, news stories, opinion pieces)
• Adapts to different writing styles (formal, conversational, humorous)
• Considers publication format (print magazines, online articles, newsletters)
• Reflects the overall tone of the piece (serious, lighthearted, investigative)
• Incorporates elements relevant to the genre (lifestyle, technology, politics)
• Balances intrigue with clarity to avoid confusion or misrepresentation

Lead Types and Effectiveness

Informative Leads

• Summary lead presents essential facts, answering who, what, when, where, why, and how
• Statistical lead presents surprising or significant number to underscore topic importance
  • Example: "One in four Americans struggles with mental health issues, a statistic that..."
• Quotation lead opens with compelling statement from source, establishing credibility
  • Example: "'The future of transportation is electric,' says Elon Musk, as Tesla unveils..."

Narrative and Descriptive Leads

• Narrative lead uses storytelling techniques, often beginning with scene or character introduction
  • Example: "As the sun rose over the Sahara, Sarah checked her compass one last time..."
• Descriptive lead paints vivid picture using sensory details to immerse reader
  • Example: "The pungent aroma of garlic and basil wafted through the narrow streets of Naples..."
• Contrast lead juxtaposes opposing ideas to create intrigue and highlight central conflict
  • Example: "In a world of fast fashion, Maria's handcrafted clothing stands as a testament to..."

Engaging Leads

• Question lead poses thought-provoking query to pique curiosity
  • Example: "What if you could learn a new language while you sleep?"
• Anecdotal lead begins with brief, relevant story to illustrate article's theme
  • Example: "When John first tried virtual reality, he never imagined it would save his life..."
• Startling statement lead shocks or surprises reader to command attention
  • Example: "Your smartphone is 10 times dirtier than a toilet seat..."

Powerful Conclusions

Synthesis and Reinforcement

• Synthesizes main points of article and reinforces central message or theme
• Avoids introducing new information or arguments
• Employs circular endings referring back to opening for sense of completeness
• Maintains consistent tone and style with rest of article
• Elevates entire article by providing fresh perspective or insight
• Summarizes key takeaways without merely restating them
• Contextualizes the article's significance within broader field or topic

Reader Engagement

• Includes call to action encouraging reflection, action, or further information seeking
• Taps into reader's emotions to make article's message more memorable
• Provides closure while leaving room for thought and discussion
• Poses thought-provoking questions for readers to consider
• Offers practical next steps or resources for readers interested in topic
• Challenges readers to apply article's insights to their own lives or work
• Invites reader participation through comments, social media, or follow-up content

Conclusion vs Lead Connection

Structural Cohesion

• Creates cohesive structure by connecting conclusion to lead
• Revisits key elements from lead to reinforce main ideas
• Addresses questions or promises made in lead for satisfying reading experience
• Maintains focus throughout article by tying conclusion to central theme
• Demonstrates writer's ability to craft well-structured, thoughtful journalism
• Enhances overall article coherence and logical flow
• Reinforces article's narrative arc or argumentative structure

Thematic Resonance

• Strengthens thematic connection between beginning and end of article
• Helps readers understand topic's significance and broader implications
• Builds upon lead rather than merely restating it
• Offers new insights developed throughout article
• Emphasizes article's relevance to reader's life or current events
• Connects specific topic to larger trends or issues in the field
• Leaves lasting impression by linking opening hook to final message