Writing the lead of a news story
The art of crafting a compelling lead! A good lead is crucial in grabbing the reader's attention and drawing them into the story. Here's a general outline to help you write a strong lead:
1. Start with a hook: Begin with a surprising statistic, a thought-provoking question, or a fascinating fact that sets the tone for the rest of the story.
2. Provide context: Give the reader a sense of what's happening and why it's important. This can include a brief summary of the situation, the people involved, or the relevant background information.
3. Introduce the main point: Clearly state the main point or the key finding of the story. This should be concise and to the point.
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. Keep it concise: Aim for a lead that's no more than 2-3 sentences long. You want to entice the reader to keep reading, not overwhelm them with too much information.
Here's an example of a well-crafted lead:
Lead: "A devastating wildfire swept through the small town of Oakdale yesterday, leaving a trail of destruction and forcing the evacuation of over 1,000 residents. The blaze, which is still not fully contained, has already destroyed dozens of homes and businesses, with officials warning that the worst may be yet to come."
In this example, the lead:
- Starts with a hook (the devastating wildfire)
- Provides context (the town, the number of residents affected)
- Introduces the main point (the destruction and evacuation)
- Uses active voice (the wildfire "swept" through the town)
- Is concise (only 3 sentences long)
Remember, the goal of a lead is to entice the reader to keep reading. By crafting a compelling and informative lead, you'll set your story up for success and keep your readers engaged.