Lead or Lede

The first paragraph in a news story that captures the reader's attention forcing him to read the rest of the piece.


Here's Don Murray:

"Information that will make the reader want to read on, that will lead the reader into the story.

Delayed lead
This is a lead that doesn't give all the information to the reader immediately, but usually gives a specific anecdote, a scene, a quotation and then puts the specific incident into context, usually in the third or fourth paragraph.

Hard news lead 
The reader is given the information the reader needs as soon as possible and in the order the reader needs it."