How to write a lead for a news story

A lead, also known as a lede, is the opening paragraph of a news story that grabs the reader's attention and sets the tone for the rest of the article. Here are some tips to help you write a effective lead for a news story:

  1. Start with a hook: Begin your lead with a surprising statistic, a thought-provoking question, a vivid description, or a quote that grabs the reader's attention.
  2. Be concise: Keep your lead brief and to the point. Aim for 1-2 sentences at most.
  3. Provide context: Give readers a sense of what's happening and why it's important. This can include background information, relevant statistics, or a brief summary of the story.
  4. Use active voice: Write in the active voice, as it tends to be more engaging and easier to read than the passive voice.
  5. Avoid clichés: Steer clear of overused phrases and clichés that don't add value to your story.
  6. Use a clear and concise structure: Use a simple and logical structure for your lead, such as:
    • A statement of the main point
    • A brief explanation or context
    • A hint at what's to come in the rest of the story
  7. Use quotes: Incorporate quotes from relevant sources, such as experts, witnesses, or individuals affected by the story, to add depth and perspective.
  8. Make it timely: Ensure your lead is relevant to current events and timely, as this will help keep readers engaged.

Here's an example of a well-crafted lead:

"Wildfires raging across California have forced thousands of residents to evacuate their homes, with the blazes fueled by record-breaking heat and dry conditions. 'This is a catastrophic event,' said California Governor Gavin Newsom, as firefighters battled to contain the flames and prevent further destruction."

In this example, the lead:

Remember, the goal of a lead is to entice readers to continue reading the story. By following these tips, you can craft a lead that effectively captures the essence of your news story and keeps readers engaged.