Ever start reading an article and instantly feel hooked—like you had to keep going? That’s no accident. That’s the magic of the lede (yes, it’s spelled “lede,” not “lead” — we’ll get to that). Whether you’re writing a news story, blog post, or even a marketing email, understanding what a lede is can change how you communicate forever.
📰 What Is a Lede, Exactly?
A lede is the opening sentence—or sometimes the first few sentences—of an article that grabs your attention and tells you why you should care. Think of it as your story’s first impression.
In journalism, a great lede does two big things:
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Hooks the reader emotionally or intellectually.
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Summarizes the main point or sets the tone for what’s coming.
The term “lede” is actually a quirky old-school spelling of “lead.” Journalists started using it in the early 20th century to avoid confusion with the word lead, the metal used in printing presses. So yes, it’s a little newsroom tradition that stuck around even in the digital age.
🧠 Why the Lede Matters So Much
A strong lede can make or break your story. Studies show that most online readers decide whether to stay on a page within the first 8 seconds—and your lede determines if they stay or scroll away.
Here’s what a great lede can do:
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Spark curiosity. It makes the reader want to know what happens next.
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Build trust. It sets the tone and shows you know what you’re talking about.
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Create connection. It feels conversational and human, not robotic.
Did You Know?
The Associated Press and The New York Times both have entire training modules devoted just to writing effective ledes. That’s how important they are in journalism.
✍️ Types of Ledes (and When to Use Them)
Not all ledes are created equal. Here are a few common styles writers use:
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Summary Lede: The classic type—gives you the who, what, when, where, why, and how in one tight paragraph.
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Example: “A powerful storm swept across the Midwest on Thursday, leaving thousands without power.”
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Anecdotal Lede: Starts with a short, human story that illustrates a bigger point.
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Example: “When Maria opened her café’s doors last spring, she didn’t expect her oat milk lattes to go viral.”
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Question Lede: Begins with a thought-provoking question to draw the reader in.
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Example: “What would you do if your phone suddenly stopped working—for a week?”
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Descriptive Lede: Paints a vivid scene or image to set the mood.
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Example: “The sun was just rising over the quiet streets of Manhattan when the first runners appeared.”
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Quote Lede: Opens with a strong or surprising quote that defines the story.
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Example: “‘I never thought I’d see this day,’ said Officer Hernandez, wiping away tears.”
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🧩 How to Write a Killer Lede
Crafting a lede isn’t about stuffing in all the facts—it’s about inviting the reader into your story.
Here’s a quick formula to help:
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Start with emotion or curiosity.
Make readers feel something or ask themselves a question. -
Keep it short and clear.
Aim for one or two punchy sentences. -
Avoid clichés.
Skip overused phrases like “It was a dark and stormy night.” -
Think like your reader.
Why should they care? Answer that right away. -
Revise until it sings.
Journalists often write 3–5 versions before they find the perfect one.
💬 Common Questions About Ledes
Q: Is a lede the same as an introduction?
Not exactly. The lede is part of your introduction, but it’s the opening hook that makes people want to read the rest.
Q: Can blog writers use ledes too?
Absolutely! A great lede works just as well for blog posts, newsletters, or even social media captions.
Q: How long should a lede be?
Usually just a few sentences—enough to grab attention without giving everything away.
🌟 A Little Personal Insight
As someone who’s spent hours rewriting the first sentence of a story, I can tell you: the lede is both the hardest and most rewarding part of writing. When you nail it, you feel it. The words click, the tone feels right, and suddenly your story has a heartbeat.
📚 Wrapping It Up
So, what is a lede? It’s the heartbeat of every great story—the spark that makes readers care enough to keep reading. Whether you’re a journalist, blogger, or business writer, mastering the lede can turn your words from background noise into something unforgettable.
Now tell me—what’s the most memorable opening line you’ve ever read? Drop it in the comments below!