Writing News Story Leads  Understanding the elements of lead writing  Understanding inverted pyramid structure  Know how to write traditional “AP” or summary lead  Become comfortable writing inventive, colorful leads for all kinds of news stories  Recognize good / bad story leads  Learn what lead techniques to avoid

KEY CONCEPTS:  LEAD  SUMMARY LEAD  INVERTED PYRAMID  TEASE  FIVE W’S AND THE H  QUOTE LEAD  QUESTION LEAD

Keep in mind:  The danger of teaching/emphasizing streamlined, straight-news approach can be discouraging for student journalists looking to practice creative writing. It needs to be stressed, that in journalism education, it is important to build a basic skill base so that one can run with their imagination when it comes to writing, as soon as they learn to walk.  There is no “right way” to write a lead, or a story for that matter!

The lead is the “do or die” paragraph  It’s the place where you win or lose the reader.  The lead has to have impact.  It usually should come to the point quickly. Most frequently the first paragraph of the news story. Most frequently the first paragraph of the news story. Some can be more like introductions and will run for several paragraphs Some can be more like introductions and will run for several paragraphs

The Inverted Pyramid  Top = broad part where main facts go. Lead Lead  As pyramid narrows, facts become less significant.  Pointed bottom: facts may not be essential.  Print media:For people in a hurry!  Aid for headline writer  Easy to trim story that won’t fit in allotted space  Decision to make: which facts go first? Use News Judgment- Requires practice + creativity Use News Judgment- Requires practice + creativity

The Associated Press “AP” or Summary Lead:  Straightforward  No-nonsense writing  Short  To the point  Filled with info  Mostly non-creative, but convey info quickly

EXAMPLES:  The Inverted Pyramid Central High defeated Tech High last night Central High defeated Tech High last night Note: readers may not know who scored the touchdowns, or how or when, but they know the essential fact: they know who won. Note: readers may not know who scored the touchdowns, or how or when, but they know the essential fact: they know who won.  The “AP”/ Summary Lead: A three-alarm fire Friday destroyed several fuel-storage tanks just outside Centerville, injuring three firefighters and causing an estimated $1 million in damage.

Evaluation Checklist:  Does the lead summarize the main facts of the story in one or two sentences?  Is it written in a succinct and direct, yet interesting, way?  Does the lead avoid expressing the writer’s opinion?  Has the writer avoided beginning with a question or quote?  Is the lead correctly punctuated and free from capitalization and spelling errors?