Creating a Lead in Journalism

Hi! I’m St. Masita Nur Khalifah, a Business English Communication student, batch 2022. In my English for Journalism class, I learned that a strong lead is essential for grabbing attention and summarizing a news story. Here’s how to create one :

1. Answer the 5 W’s and H: A lead should quickly address Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How.

2. Be Clear and Concise: Keep it brief and to the point.

3. Engage the Reader: Make it interesting to keep readers hooked.

4. Use Active Voice: It makes the lead clearer and more direct.

A good lead sets the tone and draws readers in, offering the key details in a quick, engaging way.