EXAMPLE of Lede's and Jour Writing Style Tips

Flashcards covering key elements of journalistic writing style, summary ledes, and proper quotation and attribution.

Journalistic Style Paragraphs

paragraphs should be short, no more than three sentences.

Inverted-pyramid format

A journalistic writing structure that presents the most important information first, followed by less crucial details.

Direct Quotes in Journalistic Style

Each direct quote should be formatted as a separate paragraph with clear attribution.

AP Style

A widely used journalistic style guide for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and usage from the Associated Press.

Summary Lede

The first sentence of a news story, written in sentence style to focus on the most important and timely information, incorporating who, what, where, when, why, and how.

Chronological Order (in Lede)

Should not be used to begin a news story; focus on the most important information immediately.

Attribution Verbs for Quotes

Only "said" or "asked" should be used when quoting a person in most print and online reporting.

Source Identification (first time)

When first identifying a source, use their first and last name.

Source Identification (subsequent times)

After the first identification, use only the source's last name.

Attribution Placement

The source's name should typically come before the word "said" (e.g., Johnson said, not said Johnson).

Beginning with Attribution

In most cases, a quote should start with the first sentence of the quote, then provide the attribution, rather than beginning with the name of the person being quoted.