A lede is the first paragraph of any news story. Many would say that it’s also the most important part, as it introduces what is to come. A good lede must accomplish three specific things: Give readers the main points of the story.
What is the purpose of a lede?
The ‘lede’ is a deliberate misspelling of ‘lead’ to prevent confusion in the days when printing was done with lead type. The lede not only tells what the story is about, it also invites the reader to read further. Ledes answer the classic 5 W’s and an H questions of journalism: What happened?
Why do journalists say lede?
The term “lede” originated in newsrooms between the 1950s and 1970s. It was created to avoid confusion between the “lead” paragraph in an article and the metal lead (pronounced “led”), which was used in printing presses. Even though printing is now mostly digital, many still use “lede” to refer to a lead paragraph.
Whats the difference between lede and lead?
Long ago the noun lede was an alternative spelling of lead, but now lede is mainly journalism jargon for the introductory portion of a news story—or what might be called the lead portion of the news story.
What is the purpose of the lead in a news article?
A lead is an opening paragraph that gives the audience the most important information of the news story in a concise and clear manner, while still maintaining the readers’ interest.
What are the different types of ledes?
Ledes are commonly classified into seven types. These are straight, anecdotal, narrative, zinger, observational, scene-setting, and question. Before you begin to experiment with different types of ledes, you need to be well-versed with some cardinal rules.
What does word lede mean?
The introductory paragraph
Noun. lede (plural ledes) (chiefly US, journalism) The introductory paragraph or paragraphs of a newspaper, or a news or other type of article; the lead or lead-in. [
How long should a story lede be?
Brevity: Readers want to know why the story matters to them and they won’t wait long for the answer. Leads are often one sentence, sometimes two. Generally, they are 25 to 30 words and should rarely be more than 40.
How long is too long for a lede?
A lede is one sentence of 35 words or less and may contain one comma. Some journalists use a semi-colon to join two independent clauses together in one lede. This is bad style. Remember: say as much as you can in the least number of words possible.
What does dont bury the lead mean?
(idiomatic, US, journalism) To begin a story with details of secondary importance to the reader while postponing more essential points or facts.
What are the 3 types of lead?
The Three Types of Leads You’ll See
- A-Lead. Ah, our favorite kind of lead. They’re in need of your services and are looking to buy.
- B-Lead. This lead-type is trickier. They need your services but not right away.
- C-Lead. A C-Lead is the hardest type of lead to master.
Where did the word lede come from?
The expression comes from journalism, in which the word lede (a jargon spelling of lead) refers to the introductory (lead) sentence or paragraph of a news story. In a hard news story, the lede typically summarizes the most important aspect(s) of the story (and tells what the article is about).
What comes after the lede?
The nut graf or nutgraf is the graf with the most “meat” in it. It usually comes after the lede.
Why is lead so important?
Lead is still widely used for car batteries, pigments, ammunition, cable sheathing, weights for lifting, weight belts for diving, lead crystal glass, radiation protection and in some solders. It is often used to store corrosive liquids.
What are the characteristics of a good lead in journalism?
Leads are the foundation of every news story, no matter what the medium. An effective lead makes a promise to the reader or viewer: I have something important, something interesting, to tell you. A good lead beckons and invites. It informs, attracts, and entices.
Why do leaders lead?
They lead because they care about people and recognize the positive impact and contribution they can make by working with others towards a common goal. Looking at leadership through the lens of purpose allows you to focus on the real “why” behind your leadership calling.
What is one type of lead journalists should avoid?
Leads can be too long, but they cannot be too short. Journalists should avoid using active verbs because they make stories seem too sensational. A lead containing an obvious fact or a fact the reporter has witnessed or verified by other means generally does not require attribution.
What are the two types of leads in journalism?
TYPES OF LEADS: There are two types of leads: direct (hard) and indirect (soft). Generally, use the direct lead for news stories, and the indirect lead for features. However, this is only a guideline. Whatever the form, the reader is looking for news; don’t delay it long.
What are two techniques types of leads that journalists use to start a feature story?
There are two basic types of leads: ¾ Direct: This lead tells the reader or listener the most important aspect of the story at once. It is usually used on breaking news events. ¾ Delayed: This lead entices the reader or listener into the story by hinting at its contents.
How do you make a strong lede?
5 Tips for Writing Good Ledes
- Keep it short and simple. A summary news lede should outline the main points of the whole story in its first paragraph and answer the five w’s.
- Get to the point.
- Use active voice.
- Avoid clichés and bad puns.
- Read your lede out loud.
What does a good lede look like?
A good lede must accomplish three specific things: Give readers the main points of the story. Get readers interested in reading the story. Accomplish both of these in as few words as possible.