This represents the opening paragraph of your article and sets the stage for information to follow. It’s your chance to grab the reader’s attention, entice them to keep reading, and establish the core elements of your story.
Strong ledes include:
- Capturing Attention
- Setting the Tone
- Providing Context
It’s important to keep in mind that:
- Variety is Key. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to crafting a lede. You can utilize different techniques like:
- Summary Lede – Offers a concise overview of the most important aspects of the story (the 5 W’s)
- Anecdotal Lede – Draws the reader in with a personal story or anecdote that exemplifies the broader issue
- Question Lede – Poses a thought-provoking question that relates to the main theme of the story
- Quote Lede – Starts with a powerful or intriguing quote from a key source within the story
- Strive for clarity and conciseness. Avoid jargon or overly complex language.
- Utilize active voice and strong verbs to make your lede dynamic and engaging.
‘Lede’ vs. ‘Lead’
While often used interchangeably, there’s a subtle distinction between “lede” and “lead.” “Lead” can refer to the main idea or point of the story, while “lede” specifically refers to the opening paragraph.
Examples of Effective Ledes
- “A new law restricting access to public beaches has sparked outrage from environmentalists and local residents who rely on these beaches for recreation.”
- “Sarah Jones stood on the shore, gazing out at the ocean she wouldn’t be able to freely access anymore. A new law had just been passed, restricting public access to the beach she’d visited with her family for generations.”
- “Will rising gas prices force Americans to rethink their summer travel plans?”