1. Feature Leads Journalism/New Media II MCOM 258 Feb. 16, 20009

2. When to use a feature lead… The how or why is the focus rather than the what The topic of the story When the story is more unusual or interesting rather than important (breaking news) Background information

3. Examples of when to use Plane crash in Buffalo – Hard news story Hard news story – Hard news summary lead appropriate here – In-depth story/feature In-depth story/feature – Takes a different approach

4. Types of feature leads Summary—not to be confused with summary lead for hard news – Used for shorter stories. – Different approach – example example

5. Anecdotal Lead Very common approach to a feature lead Writer uses a story or anecdote to capture the essence of the story The anecdotal lead should make the point simply and clearly Example Lead is an example of the larger picture

6. Narrative Lead Presents a story to the reader but it’s longer than the anecdotal lead Has quotes and dialogue to set up a scene Example

7. Descriptive Leads Include details that support the point of the story Can be used in travel stories—stories that focus on a specific place, person or group example

8. Question leads Pose a question that captures the reader off guard Not the best type of lead for feature stories— you don’t see them used very often

9. Nut Graph 3-5 paragraphs down Tells us what the story is about Ties the lead into the larger picture Essential element to your story when you’re writing a feature lead. example

10. When writing the feature lead Pay attention to detail Something in the story should stand out to you What about this helps me understand the bigger picture?