Kicker

Definition

A kicker is a brief phrase or sentence that appears before the main headline of a news story, designed to grab the reader's attention and provide context. This element enhances the appeal of soft news and feature writing by adding an extra layer of intrigue or information that draws the audience into the story. A well-crafted kicker can set the tone and entice readers, making them curious about the full article.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Kickers can vary in style, ranging from witty or humorous phrases to more serious statements, depending on the tone of the article.
2. Effective kickers help to provide a thematic connection between the headline and the body of the story, enhancing overall coherence.
3. In feature writing, kickers can play a crucial role in establishing mood and capturing the essence of a narrative.
4. Kickers are often used in online articles to draw readers' eyes amidst the clutter of information available on web pages.
5. A strong kicker not only grabs attention but also encourages readers to continue engaging with the content, making it a vital tool in soft news storytelling.

Review Questions

• How does a kicker enhance a news story's appeal in feature writing?
  • A kicker enhances a news story's appeal by providing an intriguing hook that captures readers' attention before they delve into the main headline. It sets the tone and context for the article, making it more engaging and inviting. In feature writing, where storytelling is key, an effective kicker can evoke emotion or curiosity, prompting readers to want to learn more about the subject at hand.
• Discuss how kickers differ from headlines and leads in terms of their function within a news story.
  • Kickers differ from headlines and leads primarily in their position and purpose. While headlines serve as the main title aimed at drawing initial interest, kickers provide supplementary context or intrigue directly above the headline. Leads are focused on delivering essential information and key details right at the start of a story. Together, these elements create a structured approach to capturing reader interest and presenting information effectively.
• Evaluate the impact of effective kickers on reader engagement and their potential influence on the success of soft news articles.
  • Effective kickers significantly boost reader engagement by providing an immediate allure that invites exploration of the full article. They can influence a soft news article's success by enhancing its visibility and shareability, particularly in digital formats where catchy phrases stand out. An engaging kicker can create an emotional connection with readers, prompting them to reflect on or discuss the content, thereby broadening its reach and impact within various audiences.

Related terms

Headline: The main title of an article that summarizes the content and aims to attract reader interest.

Lead: The opening sentence or paragraph of a news story that introduces the most important details and hooks the reader.

Subheadline: A secondary headline that provides additional information or context, often placed under the main headline.