Lede

Definition

The lede is the opening sentence or paragraph of a news story that summarizes the most important aspects of the report, capturing the reader's attention and providing key information. It serves as a hook that entices the audience to continue reading, and in sports writing, it often combines facts with narrative to engage readers emotionally while delivering essential details about a game or event.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. A well-crafted lede can set the tone for the entire piece, balancing factual information with a compelling narrative to draw readers in.
2. In sports writing, ledes often highlight significant plays, standout performances, or emotional moments to connect with fans on a deeper level.
3. Effective ledes are concise, usually around 20 to 30 words, ensuring that they deliver maximum impact without overwhelming the reader with information.
4. Ledes can vary in style, from straightforward summaries to more creative hooks that evoke emotion or intrigue about the game or event being reported.
5. Revising ledes is an essential part of the writing process; often writers will draft multiple versions before settling on one that best captures the essence of the story.

Review Questions

• How does a lede contribute to the effectiveness of a sports story?
  • A lede is crucial in a sports story as it captures the reader's attention and conveys essential information in a compelling way. By summarizing key facts and integrating narrative elements, it sets the tone for the rest of the piece and draws readers into the excitement of the game. A strong lede not only informs but also engages emotionally, encouraging readers to connect with the athletes and events being described.
• Discuss how balancing facts and narrative in a lede impacts reader engagement in sports writing.
  • Balancing facts and narrative in a lede significantly impacts reader engagement by creating an inviting and relatable entry point into the story. By weaving factual elements such as scores or standout performances with narrative details like player emotions or pivotal moments, writers create a richer context that resonates with fans. This blend keeps readers interested not just in what happened but also in why it matters, making them more likely to continue reading.
• Evaluate different styles of ledes and their effectiveness in conveying emotional depth in sports reporting.
  • Different styles of ledes can greatly affect how emotional depth is conveyed in sports reporting. For instance, an anecdotal lede may start with a personal story related to an athlete’s journey, drawing readers into their struggles and triumphs. Conversely, a straightforward summary might deliver key facts quickly but risk losing emotional resonance. Evaluating these styles highlights how writers must choose their approach based on the story's content and desired impact on readers, ultimately shaping how fans connect with their favorite teams and players.

Related terms

Nut Graph: A paragraph that explains the main point of the story, typically following the lede, giving readers context for why the news matters.

Inverted Pyramid: A style of writing where the most important information is presented first, followed by supporting details, commonly used in journalism to convey news quickly.

Attribution: The process of identifying the source of information or quotes in a story, crucial for maintaining credibility and transparency in reporting.