A good lead incorporates the inverted pyramid style with the most important facts first. It tells readers what they want to know in a creative manner. If the reader only read the lead, he or she would have a solid grasp of the story. A good lead paints a vivid picture of the story with a few words. You need to be objective in the lead and stay away from being too dramatic or you may be perceived as sensational.
Good leads make the reader want to read more.
Avoid long leads that ramble or don't get to the point quickly. Also avoid using a quote for a lead. Sometimes it works, but rarely. Digging into mounds of mud with buckets, shovels and their bare hands, soldiers and survivors searched desperately Friday for people buried alive when soaked hillsides collapsed across southeastern Mexico. All rights reserved.