PHASE THREE
LEAD WRITING
The average reader spends 15 seconds glancing over an article. One way to ensure they want to read on is create a catchy lead. The lead can make or break your article. Great leads want people to read on, bad leads give people too much info and makes the reader feel as if they “got it” already. There are seven different styles of leads, each one
Allusion
Usually makes a reference to well-known people, events, lines, songs or situations to capture the attention of the reader |
Shocking Statement
Catch the reader off guard with a shocking or unusual fact. |
Suspense
Intensifies the reader’s interest by holding back the main point of the story for a few sentences. |
Direct Quote
Take a quote from your interview, make sure the quote is strong enough to capture the audience’s attention. |
Compare
& Contrast Points out opposites or extremes |
Descriptive
Uses the five senses (taste, touch, smell, sight, sound) to make the reader feel like they are in the story rather than just reading it |
Narrative Hook
Similar to descriptive leads. Tells a short story that relates back to your main story. |
Supplemental Activity