The first paragraph usually determines if a reader will continue to read the article. A hard lead will give the audience the vital details of a story at the beginning. Hard leads are usually reserved for breaking news stories. Two junior high students were injured in a car wreck today as they unloaded their school bus in front of the school. As the host for the years 2000-2002 for the conference's men's and women's Basketball tournament.
Soft leads take a more subtle approach to presenting details or information.
Soft leads are not as dramatic as hard leads but they do invite an audience to keep reading. Two students suffered only minor injuries from the incident. The CIAA has selected Raleigh, NC as the home of its men's and women's basketball tournament for the years 2000-2002. A quote lead is used to grab the reader's attention. That's what Aaron Felipe, center fielder for Rave University, said after his team won the College World Series.