In journalism, the term 'lede' refers to the opening sentence or paragraph of an article. It serves as a hook, capturing readers' attention and summarizing the essence of what follows. Think of it as the first impression—a chance to entice your audience into reading more.
The word itself is often misspelled as 'lead,' which can lead to confusion since 'lead' also refers to a metal or even means guiding someone somewhere. However, in this context, 'lede' has its own distinct identity within journalistic writing.
A well-crafted lede answers essential questions like who, what, when, where, why—and sometimes how—providing just enough information for readers to grasp the story's significance without overwhelming them with details right away. For instance:
"Local community rallies together after devastating flood claims homes." This example not only informs but also stirs curiosity about how this rally unfolds and who is involved.
Different styles exist depending on the type of story being told; hard news articles typically employ straightforward ledes that get straight to facts while feature stories might use more creative approaches that evoke emotion or paint vivid imagery. A compelling lede sets up expectations for tone and style throughout the piece.
Moreover, mastering the art of writing effective ledes can significantly enhance one's storytelling skills in any form—be it news reporting or personal narratives. It's about engaging your reader from that very first line and making them want to continue exploring your words.
