Ledes Analysis
By Skylar Wolfe
Matt Flegenheimer of the New York Times began his article from Friday's paper, titled "'You Can't Fake Those Kind of Skills': Pete Buttigieg's Charisma Test" with an anecdotal lede.
The article begins by stating "OTTUMWA, Iowa — No presidential campaign is spared its awkward moments: overlong hugs from supporters, groaners about the Iowa weather, white lies about the caliber of the local cuisine."
The title of the article already informed readers that the focus will be Buttigieg, so it makes sense that his name was not repeated in the lede. Readers can also imply from the title that the topic of the article will be charisma, specifically that of politicians.
The lede does provide Ottumwa, Iowa as the location of importance to the article. That, however, is the only fact-based part of the lede. Flegenheimer continues to explain several laughable encounters that are common during elections that readers will likely recognize, creating a sense of connection.
The lede is very effective in conveying the main topic of the article, which explains the way in which Buttigieg uses his awkwardness in his favor, gathering support based on emotional connection rather than hard facts. The lede produces the same feeling of connection as Buttigieg attempts to provoke through his unrehearsed statements and awkward jokes.
Even those that are not followers or supporters of Buttigieg can relate to the encounters described in the lede, which is essential to draw people in to read an article of this nature. Between the unique title of the article and the familiar anecdotes in the lede, readers will likely read through at least a couple paragraphs.
Matt Flegenheimer of the New York Times began his article from Friday's paper, titled "'You Can't Fake Those Kind of Skills': Pete Buttigieg's Charisma Test" with an anecdotal lede.
The article begins by stating "OTTUMWA, Iowa — No presidential campaign is spared its awkward moments: overlong hugs from supporters, groaners about the Iowa weather, white lies about the caliber of the local cuisine."
The title of the article already informed readers that the focus will be Buttigieg, so it makes sense that his name was not repeated in the lede. Readers can also imply from the title that the topic of the article will be charisma, specifically that of politicians.
The lede does provide Ottumwa, Iowa as the location of importance to the article. That, however, is the only fact-based part of the lede. Flegenheimer continues to explain several laughable encounters that are common during elections that readers will likely recognize, creating a sense of connection.
The lede is very effective in conveying the main topic of the article, which explains the way in which Buttigieg uses his awkwardness in his favor, gathering support based on emotional connection rather than hard facts. The lede produces the same feeling of connection as Buttigieg attempts to provoke through his unrehearsed statements and awkward jokes.
Even those that are not followers or supporters of Buttigieg can relate to the encounters described in the lede, which is essential to draw people in to read an article of this nature. Between the unique title of the article and the familiar anecdotes in the lede, readers will likely read through at least a couple paragraphs.
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