Avoid Leapfrogging

Date: 2015-10-07; view: 398.

Writing the Second Paragraph

The second paragraph in a news story is almost as important as the lead – and as difficult to write. Like the lead, the second paragraph should emphasize the news. In addition, the second paragraph should provide a smooth, logical transition from the lead to the lowing paragraphs.

While writing second paragraphs, some reporters fail to emphasize the news. Other reporters fail to provide smooth transitions. As a result, their stories may seem dull or disorganized. You are given some advice how to write second paragraphs.

Reporters often refer to an individual in their lead and begin their second paragraph with a name. However, many reporters fail to clearly link the two: to state that the individual referred to in their lead is the person named in their second paragraph, leaders are forced to guess, to make that assumption. They will usually – but not always – be right.

The problem is so common that it has been given a name: "leapfrogging." To avoid the problem, provide a one- or two-word transition from the lead to a name in the second paragraph:

1) LEAPFROGGING: A 55-year-old man wept Wednesday after a Circuit Court jury found him not guilty of burglary and sexual battery.

Gary Lee Phillips was arrested two months ago.

REVISED: A 55-year-old man wept Wednesday after a Circuit Court jury found him no guilty of burglary and sexual battery.

The defendant, Gary Lee Phillips, was arrested two months ago.

2) LEAPFROGGING: The Norfolk City Council has denied a former mayor's request for the annexation and re-zoning of 19 acres located along Highway 50.

E. E. "Sparky" Dawson threatened to sue the city.

REVISED: The Norfolk City Council has denied a former mayor's request for the annexation and re-zoning of 19 acres located along Highway 50.

The former mayor, E. E. "Sparky" Dawson, threatened to sue the city.