Lede

Definition

A lede is the opening sentence or paragraph of a news story that summarizes the main point and grabs the reader's attention. It sets the tone for the entire piece and provides essential information to inform the audience quickly about the story's significance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. A good lede is concise, usually 25 words or fewer, and includes key elements such as who, what, when, where, why, and how.
2. The lede should be engaging and compelling to encourage readers to continue reading the story.
3. Different types of ledes can be used depending on the nature of the story, such as summary ledes for breaking news and anecdotal ledes for feature stories.
4. Editors often play a critical role in refining or rewriting ledes to enhance clarity and impact before publication.
5. The effectiveness of a lede can significantly influence reader engagement and the overall success of a news article.

Review Questions

• How does a well-crafted lede contribute to the overall effectiveness of a news article?
  • A well-crafted lede grabs the reader's attention and conveys the essence of the story right from the start. It provides key information that informs the audience about what to expect in the article, encouraging them to read on. By summarizing the most important aspects of the story clearly and concisely, a strong lede establishes a solid foundation for the rest of the piece.
• Discuss how editors might alter a lede before publication and why this process is important.
  • Editors often refine or rewrite ledes to improve clarity, engagement, or tone based on their understanding of audience preferences. This process is crucial because a strong lede can enhance reader interest and ensure that key information is presented effectively. By making adjustments, editors help ensure that the story aligns with publication standards and resonates with readers.
• Evaluate the impact of different types of ledes on audience engagement in various journalistic contexts.
  • Different types of ledes serve distinct purposes depending on the context of the story. For instance, summary ledes are effective for breaking news where quick information dissemination is critical, while anecdotal ledes work well for feature stories that aim to connect emotionally with readers. Evaluating their impact reveals that an engaging lede can significantly increase audience interest and retention, which ultimately affects how stories are perceived and shared.

Related terms

Nut graf: A paragraph that explains the news value of the story and provides context, usually following the lede.

Inverted pyramid: A style of news writing where the most important information is presented first, followed by supporting details in order of decreasing importance.

Attribution: The process of giving credit to sources for information, which helps establish credibility in news writing.