Writing Headlines

1. Writing Headlines

2. Key Concepts • What is a headline? • What should a headline look like? • What are the different types of headlines?

3. What is a headline? • The headline’s job is to lure the reader into the story. • Must do this honestly—can’t put something in the headline that’s not in the story.

4. Types of headlines: • Centered • Flush-left/ragged-right—rests squarely against the left side of the column. • Hammer Head—usually the top line is twice as large as the bottom line • Kicker—one secondary line over the primary headline • Wicket—several line of type, up to six are used as a sort of superlead or introduction.

5. Something to avoid • ALL-CAP HEADLINES!!!!!—Should be avoided because they are difficult to read.

6. Writing do’s and don’ts • Headline writing is telegraphic—extra words are left out (i.e., “a,” “an,” “the”) • Written in present tense • Usually only uses three punctuation marks: comma, quotation mark, and semicolon

7. Activity • Read the following three articles. Come up with a headline for each using the guidelines we just talked about.