Delayed lead

Definition

A delayed lead is a journalistic technique where the main point or most crucial information of a news story is not revealed until later in the article, after some context or background has been established. This approach can be effective in engaging readers by building suspense or providing necessary context before presenting the core details.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Delayed leads are often used in feature stories or human-interest pieces to draw readers in with anecdotes or descriptive scenes before presenting the main point.
2. This technique can help create emotional engagement, allowing readers to connect with the story on a personal level before revealing the key facts.
3. While effective, using a delayed lead may risk losing some readers who prefer quick access to essential information.
4. A strong delayed lead requires careful crafting to maintain reader interest while ensuring clarity and coherence throughout the article.
5. Journalists must balance storytelling elements with factual reporting when using a delayed lead to ensure that essential information is not overlooked.

Review Questions

• How does a delayed lead affect reader engagement compared to a traditional inverted pyramid structure?
  • A delayed lead can significantly enhance reader engagement by creating curiosity and inviting them into the story through a narrative or descriptive approach. Unlike the inverted pyramid structure, which presents the main point upfront, a delayed lead allows journalists to set the scene and build anticipation, making the revelation of critical information more impactful. This can foster a deeper emotional connection with the audience, encouraging them to continue reading.
• Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of using a delayed lead in journalistic writing.
  • Using a delayed lead has both advantages and disadvantages. On one hand, it can captivate readers and enhance storytelling by providing context and emotional depth. On the other hand, it risks alienating those who prefer immediate access to key facts. Journalists must consider their audience and the nature of the story when deciding whether this technique is appropriate, as it can be effective in engaging readers but may also confuse those seeking straightforward information.
• Synthesize how a delayed lead can be effectively utilized in different types of journalistic writing, including hard news versus feature stories.
  • In journalistic writing, a delayed lead can be effectively utilized differently based on the type of story being told. In feature stories, where emotional resonance and narrative flow are crucial, a delayed lead allows for an engaging introduction that immerses readers in context before unveiling key facts. Conversely, in hard news reporting, where clarity and immediacy are vital, a delayed lead may be less suitable due to its potential to obscure essential information. Journalists must tailor their use of this technique to align with the story's goals and audience expectations.

Related terms

Inverted Pyramid: A writing style in journalism where the most important information is presented at the beginning, followed by supporting details in decreasing order of importance.

Nut Graf: A paragraph that summarizes the essence of a story, typically found after the lead, which provides context and explains why the story matters.

Feature Story: A type of journalistic writing that focuses on a particular subject or theme, often employing narrative techniques and a delayed lead to create a more engaging narrative.