Types of News Lead Writing in Journalism With Examples

 Types of Leads in Journalism With Examples. Types of News Examples or Leads in News Story Writing.

21 Types of Journalism
Lead Writing- News Lead Writing
What is a News Lead?

The news lead is the most attractive part of the news article positioned in the first and second paragraphs of a news article after the headlines. Usually, a good lead attracts readers to read the feature’s body by highlighting the news’s central issue. It contains the most essential information, followed by the body containing details, and the tail includes additional info.  According to the inverted pyramid style, the news lead answers the five w and one h questions to illustrate the story. An attractive news lead always increases the news value.

How to Become a Good News Lead Writer?

A good news writer always follows the 5W and 1H of the report writing strategy in journalism to cover all issues related to the news headlines.

Good News Lead Examples

A Good Lead must follow the 5W and 1H rules of news writing.

FORMULA WHO does WHAT,  WHEN, WHERE, WHY, and HOW
Who Subject, people name, organization name
What Name of activity and event
When Day, yesterday, tomorrow
Where Location name
Why Background of the event, purpose, cause
How Process, detail of the event, audiences
What is the Length of a Sentence for Lead Writing?

According to Mansor (2010), The length of a sentence should not exceed 25 words. On the other hand, according to Mencher (2010), The size of a sentence should not exceed 35 words.

Types of Leads in Journalism

The two types of news leads in Journalism are:

  1. Traditional Lead (5W1H)
  2. Alternative Leads (10 Types of Lead in Journalism)
Types of Leads Wrtiting
Two Types of Leads Writing in Journalism
Traditional Lead

The traditional Lead is also known as the primary lead. It is constructed from 6 elements: who, what, when, where, why, and how. But, usually, the journalist will start with Who and What.  However, you can begin and end with any of the six elements. Traditional lead is one of the most common types of news lead writing strategy in journalism. It is similar to the Inverted Pyramid of news writing style.

Who-Lead News Writing Example
Headline Myanmar Ties the Young Tigers
Lead 1 The country’s under-22 squad (B-22) showed a lackluster performance in the opening match of Group A of the 2019 SEA Games when they only won a 1-1 draw against Myanmar just now.
Lead 2 The Young Tigers looked shaky early in the first half as they struggled to adapt on the surface of a synthetic pitch at the Rizal Memorial Stadium, Philippines.
What Lead News Writing Example
Headline Additional subjects follow the inclinations of the students
Lead 1 KUALA LUMPUR-The Secondary School Standard Curriculum (KSSM) (Upper Secondary), which will come into effect next January, aims to improve the flow of Science and Literature in the existing education system.
Lead 2 Deputy Director-General of Education (Policy and Curriculum Sector), Dr. Habibah Abdul Rahman, said Form Four students could choose four packages containing a combination of core and elective subjects in the new school term.
When News-Lead Writing Example

Title: New Vaccine Rollout Set for Next Month

News-Lead: Next month, residents of Springfield County can expect the rollout of a new vaccine aimed at combating the spread of the flu virus.

Title: City Council to Vote on New Zoning Regulations Next Week

News-Lead: Next week, the City Council is set to convene for a crucial vote on proposed zoning regulations that could reshape the urban landscape of our city.

Alternative Leads in Journalism

Alternative Leads include Staccato Lead, Question Lead, Narrative Lead, Contras Lead, Citation Lead, Straight Lead, Scene Lead, Anecdote Lead, Significant Detail Lead, and Direct address lead in journalism.

1. Staccato Lead

This staccato lead effectively sets the tone for the article, immediately drawing readers into the story and providing a concise summary of the main event and the contrasting emotions surrounding it

  • It is a dot sign in the music
  • It’s mean- separately read
  • It’s like a dot, meaning the end of the sentence
 Example of Staccato
Lead 1 Kuala Lumpur: There is no Raya shirt or any celebration, and this year’s festival doesn’t seem to mean anything to them. For the past two months, this hospital has been their second home.
Lead 2 “Every day, we just shed tears thinking of Raef who risked his life because his health condition is often uncertain,” said Noraini Jaafar, 37, mother of four-year-old Raef Uqael Mohd Rosli.
2. Question Lead

Question news-lead writing involves opening an article with a compelling question that piques the reader’s curiosity and encourages them to continue reading.  Write in a question sentence (like the question to the audience). However, the audience did not necessarily prepare the answer.

Here’s an original example of question lead writing:

“Will groundbreaking advancements in renewable energy finally pave the way for a greener future? As scientists unveil revolutionary technologies and governments commit to ambitious sustainability goals, the world stands on the brink of a transformative energy revolution.”

This question lead engages readers by presenting an intriguing inquiry about the potential for significant progress in renewable energy. It sets the stage for the article to explore recent developments and initiatives in the field, inviting readers to delve deeper into the topic.

Lead 1 Kuala Lumpur: Are you willing to wait as early as 8 am to buy various items at a discount of more than 70 percent in preparation for Aid ul Fitr, even though Sogo shopping malls in the capital are only open at 10 am?
Lead 2 Should we take the family shopping in the capital in the morning?
3. Narrative or Descriptive Lead

A narrative or descriptive lead in journalism aims to vividly depict a scene or event, drawing readers into the story with descriptive language and storytelling techniques.

Here’s an original example of a narrative or descriptive lead:

“As the first light of dawn painted the sky in hues of pink and gold, the sleepy village of Meadowbrook awoke to the sound of bustling activity. Against the backdrop of rolling hills and quaint cottages, farmers gathered in the town square, their weathered hands clasping baskets overflowing with freshly harvested fruits and vegetables. The air was filled with the sweet scent of ripe strawberries and the cheerful chatter of neighbors reuniting after a week-long market hiatus.”

This descriptive lead transports readers to the idyllic setting of Meadowbrook, immersing them in the sights, sounds, and atmosphere of the bustling village marketplace. It sets the stage for the article to explore the vibrancy and community spirit of the local farmers’ market. The situation/picture of the event

Example of Narrative or Descriptive Lead in News Writing
Lead 1 Seremban: The suspicious actions of two women in black hijab rushing out of a supermarket were answered when they were suspected of stealing various dishes at a supermarket in Seremban 2 yesterday.
Lead 2 Security guards sniffed the act of the two suspects in their 30s stealing the set of dishes before arresting them.
4. Contrast Lead

Contrans news lead in journalism compares two events. Opposite with the actor and event. A contrast lead in newspaper journalism juxtaposes two contrasting elements or perspectives to immediately capture the reader’s attention.

Here’s an original example of a contrast lead:

“While the city celebrated the grand opening of its newest luxury shopping mall, just blocks away, residents of the impoverished Southside neighborhood grappled with yet another night of power outages and crumbling infrastructure. As the glittering lights of the mall dazzled affluent shoppers, the stark reality of inequality loomed large in the shadows of neglect and disparity.”

This contrast lead effectively highlights the disparity between the affluent and neglected neighborhoods within the city, drawing attention to the stark contrast in living conditions and opportunities. It sets the tone for the article to explore issues of social inequality and urban development.

Example of Contrast Lead in News Writing

Lead 1 KUALA LUMPUR, July 26-The illegal gambling activities that have seemed ‘silent’ in recent months in public business premises are still happening in exclusive places, including luxury bungalows, condominiums, and private clubs.
Lead 2 President of the Malaysian Consumer Protection Association, Datuk Mohd. Firdaus Abdullah said the activity was difficult to detect by the authorities because it used a secure location and only involved invitations.
5. Citation Lead

A citation lead in journalism involves opening an article with a direct quote or reference from a credible source, providing immediate context or authority to the story. Statement from the sources (talk/seminar/press conference). I am starting with the “symbol. For example, the lead begins with a quotation mark. It is a unique type of news lead writing style in journalism.

Here’s an original example of a citation lead:

“In a recent interview with leading environmental scientist Dr. Emily Johnson, she warned, ‘The rapid decline of polar ice caps is an urgent wake-up call for global action on climate change.’ Dr. Johnson’s stark assessment comes amidst mounting concerns over the impact of rising temperatures on polar ecosystems and sea levels.”

This citation lead introduces the topic of climate change by referencing an expert opinion, Dr. Emily Johnson, thereby lending credibility and urgency to the issue. It sets the stage for the article to delve deeper into the scientific findings and implications of climate change.

Lead 1 Kuala Terengganu: “He told me to take care of myself and educate my children well before he ‘left’,” said Salihana Zawawi, 29, wife of Mohd Zawawi Seman, 36, who was found floating in the waters of Pulau Kapas, Marang after disappearing at sea together—three other brothers in Kuala Kemaman on June 21.
Lead 2 Mohd Zawawi’s body was found floating by fishermen at 5 pm yesterday before his body was taken by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement (APMM) to the Pulau Kambing jetty and handed over to the Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital (HSNZ) Forensic Unit.
6. A straight lead or summary lead

A straight lead presents the story’s summary, showing the news outcome instantly. It gives the outline or a gist of the whole episode or article for readers who do not have a lot of time to sit and read can glance through actual headlines of the day.

Example of a straight lead

Kuala Lumpur: Celebrity entrepreneur Noor Neelofa Mohd Noor and her Islamic televangelist husband, Haris Ismail, have repeatedly come under police investigation after their alleged violations of the movement control order (MCO) made headlines.

7. A Scene Lead

A scene lead starts a story with an introduction and influences the readers to read the whole story. A scene lead in journalism paints a vivid picture of a specific moment or event, immersing readers in the scene to captivate their attention.

For example:

Johor Bahru: Security guards are not scared of any unwanted situation of their responsibility.

Here’s an original example of a scene lead:

“As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the tranquil harbor, the bustling fish market of Port Harbor came to life. Fishermen unloaded their day’s catch, their weathered faces illuminated by the flickering lanterns hanging overhead. The air was thick with the salty scent of the sea mingling with the lively banter of vendors haggling over prices, creating a symphony of sights and sounds that epitomized the vibrant maritime culture of the coastal town.”

This scene lead transports readers to the bustling fish market of Port Harbor, evoking the sensory details and atmosphere of the setting. It sets the stage for the article to explore the livelihoods of fishermen and the rich maritime traditions of the community.

8. Anecdote lead

It tells a short story to explain the whole story. This type of lead is used to describe a long story. An anecdote lead in journalism uses a short, engaging story or anecdote to introduce the main topic of the article.

For example,

Penang: For the two-week lockdown, which starts on June 1, most businesses and services in Sabah, except petrol stations, hospitals, and central and wholesale markets, will be allowed to operate from 7 am to 7 pm daily.

9. Significant Detail Lead

A significant detail lead opens the story by focusing on a concrete detail that symbolizes the central theme.

For Example, it was neither his family members nor friends who stole the politician’s car yesterday night.

10. Direct Address Lead

A direct-address lead speaks directly to the reader, using the second person. It addresses the reader directly as ‘you.’ It enhances the interest of the reader as it directly talks to them.

Example: “You might not get relief from the harsh winds as the weather will be the same for the next ten days or more.

In conclusion, the news lead is crucial for news and feature articles to attract audiences. It motivates the readers to read the entire story. Many passive audiences read only the headline and lead. However, an attractive news lead instigates passive audiences to engage with the article. The news lead generated according to the inverted pyramid structure influences active and passive audiences to read the whole article thoroughly. This article explains the types of news leads in journalism.

Lean Canvas Example: Lean Canvas Business Model Example For 2022

Lean Canvas Example: Lean Canvas Business Model Example in 2022. Lean Canvas Model Example. Example of Lean Canvas Business Model.

Lean Canvas Model

The Lean Canvas model refers to a business plan template outlining nine essential elements of the new business. In 2010, Ash Maurya developed the one-page business template and termed it the Lean Canvas Model. The lean canvas model assists entrepreneurship in pre-assume the nine essential critical ideas related to the Business.

Lean Canvas is adapted from Business Model Canvas introduced by Alex Osterwalder in 2005. Therefore, the lean canvas model is also known as the Lean Canvas Business Model.  The alternative names of the Lean Canvas are the Lean Canvas Model, Lean Business Canvas, Lean Business Model, Lean Startup Canvas, and Lean Canvas Online.

Lean Canvas Business Model

Lean canvas business model refers to a one-page business plan template describing nine key idea elements related to the market: problem, solution, unique value proposition, unfair advantage, customer segments, key metrics, channels, cost structure, and revenue structure. However, the additional elements of the lean canvas model are existing alternatives, high-level concepts, and early adopters. It replaces detailed business plans with a concise and single-page business template. 

History of the Lean Business Model

Lean Canvas Business Model is adopted from Business Model Canvas, and Business Model Canvas was adapted from Business Model Ontology. In 2004, Alex Osterwalder introduced Business Model Ontology for digital business. After one year, In 2005, he introduced the Business Model Canvas based on the previous theory “Business Model Ontology.” In 2010, Ash Maurya introduced the Lean Canvas model for entrepreneurship to start a new business with concise information regarding the business, including problem, solution,  target audiences, competitors, and so more.

Lean Canvas Example

The example of the lean canvas has been presented in this article so that students and viewers can understand how to create a lean canvas business model template for new businesses. Sometimes, lecturers provide assignments to students on how to create a lean canvas model template for starting up a new business.

Lean Canvas Example – Word File Download Link

Lean Canvas Business Model Example

Lean Canvas Business Model Example- Lean Canvas Word Template Example
Figure 1: Lean Canvas Example
How to Fill Out a Lean Canvas
Lean Canvas Business Model- Lean Canvas Word Template Example
Figure 2: Example of Lean Canvas business model

Lean Canvas Business Model Example

BambooS- An Eco-Friendly Company in Malaysia

BambooS is an environment-friendly company in Malaysia that produces bamboo straws. Nowadays, restaurants do not provide plastic straws due to polluting the ocean extremely. So, the BambooS has come up with straw made of Bamboo. These products are cheap, portable, reusable, and decomposable. The government of many countries, including Malaysia, has given directives to reduce the use of plastic. Therefore, many restaurants, including McDonald’s, KFC, PizzaHut, and Nando’s, do not provide plastic straws. It is challenging to drink juice without a straw; hence BambooS has started to sell portable and reuseable bamboo straws.

It is an example of a Lean Canvas template filled out by BambooS, an eco-friendly company in Malaysia. The student at University Putra Malaysia students completes these lean startups for assignment purposes. However, entrepreneurship also follows the same instructions to complete the lean canvas template. Hopefully, it will assist employees in obtaining ideas on how to fill out a lean canvas.

Lean Canvas Business Model Example- Lean Canvas Word Template Example
Lean Canvas Business Model Example

The Lean Canvas example will help students and employees to know how to fill the lean canvas word template. The author has attached a blank and filled lean canvas word template for entrepreneurship. It will definitely assist the new businessmen to start new businesses wisely.

Elements of Lean Canvas

The 9 Elements of the Lean Canvas Business Model are:
  1. Problem
  2. Solution
  3. Unique Value Proposition
  4. Unfair Advantage
  5. Customer Segments
  6. Key Metrics
  7. Channels
  8. Cost Structure
  9. Revenue Structure
1. Problem

Firstly, as an entrepreneur, you have to identify existing problems that you want to solve with the new products and services. It is crucial to find out at least three essential problems that your product and service will completely solve. Therefore, the entrepreneur needs to list down three problems under the problem section in the lean canvas.

For example, according to BambooS’ lean canvas, the three problems are environmental pollution, one-time use, and restaurants do not provide plastic straws now. So, BambooS is a new company that has outlined these three problems.

2. Solution

The solution is the goal of your business. So, you have to outline the solution to the problems mentioned in the problem section. The solutions have to be concise, significant, and capable enough to resolve the problems.

For example, according to figure 3, the three solutions are eco-friendly products, reusable and portable. These three proposed solutions are sufficient to resolve the problems.

3. Unique Value Proposition

A unique value proportion refers to a commitment of value that the product or service will definitely provide. It is the fundamental reason for what the customer will buy the products or services. So, you have to differentiate your product or services from others to grab customers’ attention. The unique value proposition also represents the company tagline, somewhat relevant to the mission and vision.

For example, the unique value proposition of the BambooS products is bamboo straws- reusable and eco-friendly products, customized products- of different sizes and made of natural material. The tagline is Grab me with zero pollution to save the planet.

4. Unfair Advantage

Unfair advantage denotes something of the company that competitors will not be able to replicate. The exceptional quality of the product or services makes the company distinguished. However, it would help if you had to remember that your unfair advantages are sustainable. 

For example, BambooS company’s unfair advantages are the new eco-friendly product, unique packaging with a jute pouch bag, and engraved service. These unfair advantages are sustainable and exceptional that no company offers now in Malaysia. 

5. Customer Segments

The problems and customer segments are interconnected issues; because the customers create problems. So, the problem can not endure without customers.  Additionally, customers are the consumer of your products and services. Therefore, you have to analyze your target customer before identifying the problems. Additionally, you have to keep in mind some issues related to the customers, such as where your customer lives, the economic conditions, the demographic factors, and so more. Customer segmentation is also known as geographics, psychographics, and demographics in marketing.

For example, the BambooS authority has chosen the University Putra Malaysia to target audiences. Additionally, they have included Cafe and Restaurant at UPM, Facebook and Instagram Users, and eCommerce Marketplaces (Lazada & Shopee Users) in the customer segment section. 

6. Key Metrics

Key metric refers to the factors that the company owner measure to run the business properly. The key metric drives the performance of the business, so the owner must need focus on these factors to keep the record. Actually, key metrics are the statistical data related to market share, consumers, number of new users, revenue per customer, and so more. For example, how many followers of the social media pages and the monthly sales revenue. Sometimes, management invests in marketing based on the key metrics data. Every company invests to get

For example, the three key metrics of the BambooS company are active community growth rate at UPM and bamboo straw users, Social media page followers and monthly selling rate, and customer positive feedback vs. sales revenue. These data will definitely help the authority to adopt a strategic marketing policy to increase sales revenue. If the company can sell the product properly on social media platforms compared to offline sales, they definitely focus on increasing followers on social media pages to earn more. 

7. Channels

Channels are the media in which management reaches the customers. The channel plays an essential media in conducting a marketing campaign.  Many types of channels or media allow you to reach customers as well as regulate campaigns. The two most important types of communication channels are offline and online channels. The offline channels are face-to-face marketing, placard, banner, festoon, newspapers, TV, and radio.

On the other hand, online media are social media platforms, e-commerce sites, and website traffic. Usually, the market analyzer researches the customer’s background to decide which channels they want to use to conduct a marketing campaign. Nowadays, most companies utilize e-commerce and social media channels to conduct digital marketing. The covid-19 pandemic has changed people’s lifestyles, business patterns, and education procedures. Many organizations use online webinars to conduct organizational meetings and regulate business properly.

For example, the BambooS’ authority has chosen Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, company’s official website, Lazada, Shopee, and  Word-of-mouth marketing- WOM for the UPM community.  

8. Cost Structure

Cost structure refers to the costs of launching a new business, for example, equipment acquisition costs, marketing costs, operational costs, and website domain and hosting costs. According to a statistic report, around 90 percent of new companies fail to operate due to not considering the total cost of starting and driving the business. Therefore, the owner needs to launch a new business after arranging the full payment.

For example, the BambooS’ authority outlines the sectors where they have to initially invest money to launch the business. The list is following:

  • Purchasing Bamboo, Pouches, Coconut fiber cleaning brush, and Paper box.
  • Delivery fee.
  • 3D Printing service cost.
  • Website design and online Paid-advertising.
9. Revenue Structure

Revenue is the key performance indicator of a company. The factors of the company’s performance and the revenue has a positive relationship that influences each other. Revenue structure is also known as a revenue stream. You have to assess and set the price of the product before releasing it to the market. Many companies make the mistake of setting a meager price when launching the product in the market.

The minimum price may bring an adverse impact on business. It damages the future probabilities of your business. Firstly, you might lose a customer when increasing your product price later. The price module must be tested several times through multiple ways to catch the market by the products. The revenue structure depends on the type of business, whether you want to sell products or services. It also depends on whether the company is online platforms based or physical market-based.

For example, BambooS includes the factors to the revenue model, such as physical product selling, launching price is not so much low or high, and online selling price lower than direct selling.

Difference Between Lean Canvas and Business Model Canvas

Lean Canvas Business Model- Lean Canvas Word Template Example

Firstly, Ash Maurya developed the Lean Canvas Model in 2010, whereas Alex Osterwalder introduced the Business Model canvas in 2005.

Secondly, the nine basic elements of the lean canvas model are the problem, solution, unique value proposition, unfair advantage, customer segments, key metrics, channels, cost structure, and revenue structure. On the other hand, the nine fundamental elements of the Business model canvas are customer segments, value propositions, channels, customer relationships, revenue streams, key resources, key activities, key partnerships, and cost structure.

Additionally, the Lean canvas model is suitable for new entrepreneurs who want to start a new business and startup. In contrast, Business Model Canvas is suitable for an existing business.

Usually, entrepreneurs, founders, and investors of the company apply the lean canvas model. However, the senior manager, marketing manager, and operation manager utilize the business model canvas to yield positive outcomes from the business.

Moreover, applying lean canvas aims to identify the problem and solution to fit new entrants. On the other hand, using the Business model canvas understands the existing market and identifies opportunities.

Furthermore, the basis of the lean canvas model indicates testing ideas, assessing the assumption, and focusing on the value proposition. In contrast, the basis of the Business model canvas shows advanced and progressive innovation.

Lean Canvas Versus Business Model Canvas Example

Lean Canvas Business Model, Lean Canvas Word Template & Example

Lean Canvas Business Model Example For Google

A sample of a lean model canvas of Google has been presented here to better understand how to fill out the template.

Lean Canvas Business Model, Lean Canvas Word Template & Example

Lean Canvas Business Model Example For YouTube

Lean Canvas Business Model, Lean Canvas Word Template & Example