Take the Lead

When learning about different kinds of leads, it's important to know how to distinguish one from the other. In Chapter 6, we've found the differences between summary leads and feature leads.

Summary leads is written in active voice, using the "5 W's and H" (who, what, where, when, why, and how). These kinds of leads are direct and concise, getting right to the main point. For a summary lead, avoid backing into the story. That is, starting with introductory clause.

Feature leads are a bit more fun. These kinds of leads have a more loose structure and utilize creative elements to maintain the reader's attention. There are four different types of feature leads. Anecdotal leads are much like short stories that have an unexpected or interesting ending. Narrative leads present dialogues and quotes, creating a scene as the story is told. Descriptive leads zone in on the details of a specific person, place or group. Question leads present a question to be answered in the story.

Here are some examples of interesting feature leads:

Doc, Make Me New Again (nytimes.com; Michael Winerip)

Uptown, By Way of Downtown (nytimes.com; Jonathan Miles)