lead-ins
What precedes main content
Lead-ins are introductory elements that precede the main content—a host's remarks before a guest speaks, a sentence setting up a quotation, or preliminary words before a punchline.
In broadcasting, a lead-in is a program scheduled before another to build audience: The sitcom serves as a lead-in for the evening news.
The singular lead-in appears more often as an adjective: lead-in question, lead-in paragraph.
Gap or start
- preamblePreliminary statement before content
- prologueIntroductory literary section
- forewordIntroductory book section
- prefaceIntroductory book section
overture · intro · commencement · kickoff · debut · launch · setup · orientation
Gradual accumulation over time
- suspenseAnxious uncertainty about outcomes
- foreshadowingHinting at later events
- hintIndirect suggestion
- teaseMock playfully
preview · expectation · tension · setup · clue · signal · indication · suggestion
Foundational preparation for something
- briefingConcise information session
- rehearsalPre-performance practice session
- planningArranging for future events
- arrangementOrdered configuration or agreement
coordination · buildup · rundown · preview · outline · summary · context · background
opening
Gap or start
- preamblePreliminary statement before content
- prologueIntroductory literary section
- forewordIntroductory book section
preface · overture · intro · commencement · kickoff · debut · launch · setup · orientation · welcome
buildup
Gradual accumulation over time
- suspenseAnxious uncertainty about outcomes
- foreshadowingHinting at later events
- hintIndirect suggestion
tease · preview · expectation · tension · setup · clue · signal · indication · suggestion · implication
groundwork
Foundational preparation for something
- briefingConcise information session
- rehearsalPre-performance practice session
- planningArranging for future events
arrangement · coordination · buildup · rundown · preview · outline · summary · context · background · framing
- bookendsprefaces, afterwords, forewords, postscripts, introductions
lead-insheadliners
Main acts at shows
centerpieces · features · highlights · substance · meat