Leadtext

Leadtext, also known as a lede or lead paragraph, is the introductory sentence or paragraph of a news article, report, or other piece of writing. Its primary purpose is to capture the reader's attention and convey the most important information concisely. The leadtext typically answers the fundamental questions of who, what, when, where, why, and how, often referred to as the "5 Ws and 1 H."

The effectiveness of leadtext lies in its ability to provide a quick summary of the story's core elements. This allows readers to grasp the essence of the topic without needing to read the entire piece. In journalism, a well-crafted leadtext is crucial for engaging the audience and encouraging them to continue reading for more detailed information. It sets the tone and direction for the rest of the article.

Different writing styles may employ leadtext slightly differently. In news reporting, the inverted pyramid structure often places the most vital information at the very beginning in the lead. In feature writing or creative non-fiction, the lead might be more narrative or evocative, aiming to draw the reader in through storytelling rather than a direct summary of facts, though it still generally hints at the main subject. Regardless of the genre, a strong leadtext is universally recognized as a key component of effective communication.