Special Ledes

Presented byBrett Atwood

Types of Special Ledes

• Narrative Ledes• Contrast Ledes• Staccato Ledes• Direct-Address Ledes• Question Ledes• Quote Ledes

Narrative Ledes 1. Elements of the narrative lede

a. Lead block- A couple of paragraphs that build interest in the story

b. Nut graph - The “so what” paragraph- Usually the third or fourth

paragraph

Narrative Ledes

2. Writing a narrative lede a. Using observation

- There is more going on than the spoken word b. Keeping the story going

- Narrative used to move the story along

Contrast Lede

1. Elements of the contrast ledea. “compare and contrast”

2. Writing a contrast lede a. Using observation b. Using “turn words” - but, today, now, before…

Staccato Ledes

1. Elements of the staccato ledea. Short bursts of phrases

2. Writing a staccato ledea. The nut graph must contextualize the staccato lede

Direct-Address Ledes

1. Elements of the direct-address lede a. Uses “you” to directly address the reader

2. Writing a direct-address lede a. Use direct-address ledes sparingly b. Be prepared to rewrite direct-

address ledes

Question Ledes

1. Elements of question ledesa. Your lead opens with a question

2. Writing a question lede a. Answer the question quickly b. Tease the audience c. Combine question ledes with direct

address

Quote Ledes

1. Elements of quote ledesa. Your interview subject has prominence in the lede

2. Writing a quote lede a. General guidelines for quote ledes b. Don’t misrepresent in a quote lede c. Beware of libel when using a quote

lede

Creating Effective Ledes

A. Using Strong Verbs in Ledes 1. Make sure the verb is precise

B. Choosing a Lede: Which Lede, and When?

1. There are no rules2. Hard news usually requires a summary lede

In-Class Exercise

• VISIT A MAINSTREAM NEWS SITE AND IDENTIFY TWO DIFFERENT "SPECIAL LEDES“

• Things to consider:– IS THIS THE BEST LEDE FOR THIS STORY?– CAN THIS LEAD BE IMPROVED?– IS A SUMMARY MORE APPROPRIATE?– WOULD ONE OF THE OTHER SPECIAL LEDES WORK BETTER?