Chapter 8 - Alternative Leads

What is an alternative lead (or soft lead)?

A creative, engaging introduction to a news or feature story that hooks the reader with a story, scene, or question instead of immediately dumping the main facts.

What is a suitcase lead?

A traditional news writing lead that crams too many facts, names, and details into the very first sentence or paragraph.

What is a “buried” or “delayed” lead?

The most common type of alternative lead. You put the most important or exciting information in the middle or end of an article, rather than in the very first paragraph.

• It begins with an interesting example that sets a story’s theme.

• Then a nut graph—perhaps the third or fourth paragraph—states the central point and provides a transition to the body, moving the story to the general issue.

What is a multi-paragraph lead?

An opening section of a story or article that uses two or more paragraphs to hook the reader and introduce the main point, rather than compressing all the key information into a single opening sentence or paragraph

What is a quotation lead?

An opening paragraph in journalism or essay writing that begins a story with a direct quote.

• Quotations that begin with words needing identification or explanation—such as “he,” “she,” “we,” “they,” “it,” “that and “this”—should not be leads. The audience has no way of knowing to whom or what the words refer.

What is a question lead?

An opening paragraph of a news article or feature story that begins by asking the reader a direct question.

• Some editors prohibit this because they believe news stories should answer questions, not ask them. Question leads also often run the risk of being clichés.

To be effective:

• Must be brief, simple, specific and provocative

• No more than a dozen words

• The audience should feel compelled to answer it

What is a suspenseful lead?

An opening sentence or paragraph designed to create mystery, spark curiosity, or hint at a conflict to draw the reader into the story.

• It compels the audience to finish a story.

What is a descriptive lead?

An opening paragraph that sets the scene for a story by using vivid imagery and sensory details about a person, place, or event rather than immediately listing hard facts.

• It should also help summarize the story.

What is a startling (shockers) lead?

An opening sentence designed to shock, surprise, or deeply intrigue the reader by presenting an unexpected, dramatic, or bizarre fact.

What is an ironic lead? - Closely related to shockers

An opening paragraph that uses a striking contrast or unexpected twist to grab the reader's attention.

What is a direct-address lead?

An introductory sentence in a news or feature story that speaks directly to the reader.