Writing the Lead (Opening Sentence)

Where Do You Get Your News?

Traditional Sources of News

• The speaker discusses various sources for news consumption, highlighting that many people rely on the internet or social media, while their household still prefers reading newspapers in the morning and watching television newscasts in the evening.

The Inverted Pyramid Style of Writing

• Regardless of the medium (radio, television, newspaper, or internet), the style of news writing remains consistent. The inverted pyramid structure is introduced as a formula for effective news writing.

• The most important information is presented first; this initial sentence or paragraph is referred to as the "lead," summarizing key details about the story.

Understanding Leads in Journalism

• An example article by Jerome Anning and Abby Boycer from Inquirer illustrates how leads work. The title does not serve as a lead; instead, it’s crucial to identify the first sentence as the lead.

• A strong lead should provide essential information right away. For instance, an airline's appeal to travelers during a busy holiday period serves as an effective lead.

Importance of Strong Opening Sentences

• Emphasizing that starting strong is vital in journalism; if readers are not engaged by the opening sentence, they may lose interest immediately.

• Discusses how crafting a compelling lead can determine whether readers continue engaging with the story.

How to Write Effective Leads

Key Considerations for Writing Leads

• When writing leads or opening paragraphs:

• Understand and clarify your story's 5Ws and 1H: Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How.

• Keep language simple and clear; avoid overly complex phrasing.

• Be direct—avoid unnecessary elaboration.

• Adhere to ABC of Journalism: Accuracy, Brevity, Clarity.

Types of Leads in News Writing

Traditional Lead

• A traditional or summary lead presents all critical details upfront. It should clearly convey who was involved and what happened without ambiguity.

Example of Traditional Lead

• Using a fire incident example: “Due to a Christmas tree cable malfunction, four people died including one child in a fire at Barangay 214 early this morning.” This format includes all necessary details succinctly.

Punch Lead

• A punch lead captures attention with an impactful statement before summarizing key facts. It's designed to intrigue readers immediately.

Example of Punch Lead

• An example provided states: “Beware of Christmas trees! Four dead including one child due to a fire caused by a faulty Christmas tree cable.” This approach grabs attention but must be followed up with traditional leads for context.

Creative Approaches to Leads

Question Lead

• Introduces another type called "Question Lead," which starts with an intriguing question related to the interviewee's comments or central story theme. This method engages readers by prompting them to think about potential answers right away.

Understanding Different Types of Leads in Journalism

Question Lead

• A question lead introduces a news story by posing a relevant question, followed by contextual information. This approach engages readers immediately.

• Example: "Paano na ang aming pasko?" reflects the concerns of Barangay 214 residents after a fire destroyed homes, emphasizing the urgency and emotional impact of the situation.

Quotation Lead

• A quotation lead starts with a direct quote from an interviewee, often used when the statement is controversial or impactful. This method adds authority to the news piece.

• Notable example: Greta Thunberg's speech at the UN Climate Summit in September 2019 began with her powerful words, "How dare you?" highlighting her emotional appeal to world leaders regarding climate action.

Descriptive Lead

• A descriptive lead sets the scene before summarizing the story, using vivid language to draw readers into dramatic events. It’s effective for colorful or action-packed narratives.

• For instance, describing a fire scene with phrases like "naglalagablab na apoy" creates an immediate visual impact and conveys urgency about the incident involving one hundred homes and multiple victims.

Key Takeaways on Writing Leads

• Ensure clarity in your summary regardless of lead type; journalism should prioritize accuracy over dramatization—avoid writing as if crafting a screenplay or telenovela.

• The choice of lead should match the overall mood of the story being told; starting strong is crucial while adhering to journalistic principles: accuracy, brevity, and clarity.