What is the Lead in Journalism?
A lead is an initial paragraph or multiple paragraphs of a story, whether it's a blog or a lengthy story. Its goal is to pique
readers' interest and draw them in. The remainder of the story's job is to get them fully interested; the role of the lead
paragraph is to bring them there.
The lead, or first paragraph, of a news item, is the most crucial element. With so many information sources—magazines,
journals, newspapers, TV, radio, and the world wide web—consumers are just unwilling to go past the first paragraph (or
even line) of a story unless it provokes their interest according to the top mass communication and journalism colleges in
India. That is exactly what a good lead does. It conveys the most crucial information to readers in a clear, succinct and
engaging manner. It also establishes an article's tone and focus.
Useful Tips for Writing a Great Lead
You must follow these tips for writing a great lead that will keep the audience hooked. Here are some vital tips shared by
the best journalism college in India.
1. Focus on the 5Ws and H - Before writing a lead, consider which part of the story—who, what, when, where, why,
and how— is most crucial. You should highlight those points in your lead.
2. Be specific and clear - Though most leads need you to summarize content, you must attempt to be as precise as
possible. Your lead will not be useful or intriguing if it is too big.
3. Concision- Readers would like to discover why the narrative is important to them, and they won't wait long to
find out. Leads are usually one or two sentences long. They are typically between 25 and 30 words in length and
should never exceed 40. All mass communication and journalism colleges in India coach students to learn this
art.
4. Use Active Voice - Powerful verbs will make your lead more vibrant and engaging. Passive sentences, on the
other hand, might seem boring and leave out vital information, such as who or what prompted the action.
Different types of leads in journalism
The different types of leads taught in various mass communication and journalism colleges in India are:
Single-item leads - It concentrates on only one or two aspects of a summary lead. For example - The Philadelphia
Phillies are World Champions again. • As opposed to traditional lead from Reuters: The Philadelphia Phillies ended their
long wait for a World Series title with a short burst of baseball last night as they clinched the crown by completing a rain-
suspended 4-3 win over the Tampa Bay Rays.
Summary leads - It is direct and accurate. Its goal is to give a quick overview of the story in as few words as possible to
the reader. For example, “President Joe Biden signed a $1.9 trillion stimulus package into law on Thursday, delivering on
his promise to provide relief to millions of Americans struggling amid the COVID-19 pandemic."
Creative leads - It uses a creative approach to entice readers. For example - A late spring snowstorm surprised
forecasters and drivers Tuesday afternoon, triggering more than 30 accidents, Cleveland police officials said.
Analogy leads - This lead draws a parallel between the specific subject of your writing and something that is familiar to
the average reader. For example - “"I tucked Joel in, but I feel so guilty I didn’t hold him longer,” Julie Rea said, her voice
welling with emotion. That is all she can muster about the worst night of her life. As she tries to say more, she breaks
down."
Short sentence leads - A single word or a short phrase is used to lure the readers into the remaining lead.
For example - One-fifth of an inch. That's all the snow it took to trigger more than 30 accidents on local roads yesterday
as a late spring storm snuck up on Cleveland motorists.
Delayed identification leads - The subject, or "who," cannot be identified right away.
For example - A woman who refused to show up for jury duty was arrested Friday and given a civics lesson about the
importance of service to her community and the judicial system. NOTE: The woman likely would be identified in the
next graph. The point is that what she did really is more important than who she is.
Opposite Lead - Cites one point of view or observation, then follows with the opposite for example - Facebook rots the
brain, according to a report by a Stansbury University psychology professor. Jim Wallace, honors student and an avid user
of the popular website, says that just isn't true.
Feature leads, also called delayed leads, don't have to get all the important points into the first graf. Feature articles can
take several grafs, usually no more than three or four, to lead the reader into the story, through the use of description,
anecdote or by setting a scene. (“Graf” is journalistic shorthand for “paragraph,”) Then, once that description or
anecdote has been established, the reporter writes what's called the nut graf. In the nut graf you explain what the story
is about. In other words, the nut graf is the lead of your feature article. (“Graf” is journalistic shorthand for “paragraph,”)
Example:
After several days in solitary confinement, Mohamed Rifaey finally found relief in pain. He would wrap his head in a
towel and whack it against the cinder-block wall. Over and over.
"I'm going to lose my mind," Rifaey recalls thinking. "I begged them: Charge me with something, with anything! Just let
me out to be with people."
The illegal alien from Egypt, now finishing his fourth month in custody in York County, Pa., is among hundreds of people
caught on the wrong side of the domestic war on terrorism.
In interviews with The Inquirer inside and out of jail, several men described long detentions on minimal or no charges,
unusually stiff bond orders, and no allegations of terrorism. Their tales have worried civil libertarians and immigration
advocates.
