Special Leads

Good Example from Class

It's an early July morning, a time when most people should be sleeping in preparation for a lazy summer day, or enjoying their last few restful hours before work. But on this day, the sidewalks are crowded with people, some sleeping against building walls, some eagerly downing coffee, and others excitedly waiting in clusters. What has provoked these people to make camp on the streets?

This was the scene in many cities this summer on the morning that Apple released the iPhone. The revolutionary product combined basically every feature available in computers and cell phones and put it in one touch screen device. This is not the first time Apple has made waves with a new product, and it probably won't be the last. The computer, mp3 player, and now cell phone market is quickly being overtaken by this innovative company.

Good Example from Class

Bullets blew by him as he ran to grab the grenades that might save his life. With a few more steps to go, a rocket crashed into the ground before him blowing the man into a nearby trench. With almost no life left, he reached for his sniper rifle and fired a no-scope shot that rippled through his two enemy’s heads killing them instantly.

Halo 3 has been released for Xbox 360.

Types of Special Leads

Narrative Leads Contrast Leads Staccato Leads Direct-Address Leads Question Leads Quote Leads

Narrative Leads

1. Elements of the narrative lead 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 Leads

2. Writing a narrative lead 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 Leads

1. Elements of the contrast lead

a. “compare and contrast” 2. Writing a contrast lead

a. Using observation b. Using “turn words”

- but, today, now, before…

Staccato Leads

1. Elements of the staccato lead

a. Short bursts of phrases 2. Writing a staccato lead

a. The nut graph must contextualize

the staccato lead

Direct-Address Leads

1. Elements of the direct-address lead

a. Uses “you” to directly address the

reader2. Writing a direct-address lead

a. Use direct-address leads sparingly b. Be prepared to rewrite direct-

address leads

Question Leads

1. Elements of question leads

a. Your lead opens with a question 2. Writing a question lead

a. Answer the question quickly b. Tease the audience c. Combine question leads with direct

address

Quote Leads

1. Elements of quote leadsa. Your interview subject has prominence in the lead

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

lead

Creating Effective Leads

A. Using Strong Verbs in Leads

1. Make sure the verb is preciseB. Choosing a Lead: Which Lead, and

When?

1. There are no rules

2. Hard news usually requires a

summary lead

In-Class Exercise

VISIT www.nytimes.com AND IDENTIFY TWO DIFFERENT "SPECIAL LEADS.“

COPY INTO WORD AND DISCUSS EACH THE EFFECTIVENESS OF EACH LEAD, ANSWERING SUCH QUESTIONS AS:

– IS THIS THE BEST LEAD FOR THIS STORY?– CAN THIS LEAD BE IMPROVED?– IS A SUMMARY MORE APPROPRIATE?– WOULD ONE OF THE OTHER SPECIAL LEADS WORK

BETTER?