Leads have always been very interested to me, as I am certainly wanting to become a journalist when I "grow up." I feel that it is a desirable trait to have "a way with words," and I believe that this is a trait that makes creating leads and articles a bit easier overall. After all, if your lead does not draw the reader in, they may not even get the full story. I, for one, am very "click-happy" when I am reading articles online. If I am not drawn in within the first few sentences, unless I am very interested on the topic, I generally will not finish the article. As a consumer, I am aware of this, so I believe that this realization may make things easier as I start to write professionally.

As for an example that I believe could have been worded better, I did write a few guest columns for The Signpost for another class a few years ago when I was first deciding that I wanted to get into journalism. Here is an example of a lead that I believe is decent, but could certainly be improved:

Now, I believe that to some that are interested in this topic, they may be drawn in with this lead. However, I feel that it is also important to try and gain new readers and to make things interesting for all parties included. This certainly could have been worded better to attract a bigger audience. 

In comparison, here is another lead that I was able to view from an article by Jonathan Snowden, who writes for Bleacher Report: 

I feel that this is a better lead, as it could arguably reach a broader audience. I believe that even those who are not educated with this sport, they may see this lead and the reference of Muhammad Ali and become intrigued enough to finish the article. I am betting that they may even be able to take something out of it, having read the whole thing. 

Believe it or not, leads may be the writing element that I tend to pay attention the most. I am fascinated with the ways in which the writers I admire are able to use their "way with words" to draw us readers in. I am hoping that I too will have this ability in the near future.