Introduction
Have you ever heard the term “bury the lead”? This phrase is commonly used by journalists and writers to describe an article or news story that fails to capture the reader’s attention. In this article, we will explore the meaning of “bury the lead” and discuss how to avoid bury the lead in your writing.
Defining the Term: What Does “Bury the Lead” Mean?
The phrase “bury the lead” is used to refer to a story or article that fails to get to the point right away. It’s when a writer begins with a long, winding introduction that doesn’t clearly convey what the article is about. The most important information is buried deep in the text, making it difficult for readers to determine the main point of the story.
According to journalist and author Mark Grabowski, “burying the lead means leading with a less important detail instead of the most newsworthy information.” For example, if you were writing an article about a new restaurant opening in town, burying the lead would be starting off with a description of the interior design before introducing the restaurant itself.
Common mistakes writers make when burying the lead include: focusing too much on background information, giving away the ending, and introducing the topic too late in the article. All of these can make it difficult for readers to understand the main point of the story.
How to Avoid Bury the Lead in Your Writing
If you want to ensure your articles and stories don’t suffer from bury the lead, there are a few simple steps you can take. First, focus on the main point of your story. Don’t get sidetracked by extraneous details or background information. Stick to the facts and keep your writing concise.
Second, use an attention-grabbing lead. Start off with a compelling quote, an engaging anecdote, or an interesting statistic. This will grab the reader’s attention and ensure they stay engaged with your story.
Finally, be concise. Don’t ramble on unnecessarily. Get to the point quickly and keep your sentences short and to the point. This will make it easier for readers to understand your story and keep them interested.
Examples of Bury the Lead in Media
Bury the lead is a common mistake made by writers and journalists, but it can also be seen in other forms of media. Television news often suffers from bury the lead, as reporters often spend the first few minutes of their broadcasts discussing unrelated topics before finally getting to the story at hand. Newspaper articles and online news stories can also fall victim to bury the lead, as writers fail to introduce the main point of the story quickly enough.
Social media posts are also prone to bury the lead. Posts that focus too much on background information or fail to get to the point quickly can easily lose the interest of their audience. To avoid bury the lead in your social media posts, make sure you introduce the topic of the post in the first sentence and keep the rest of the post concise and to the point.
How Journalists Use Bury the Lead in News Stories
Although bury the lead is usually seen as a negative thing, some journalists use it intentionally to add drama or suspense to their stories. Traditional styles of journalism focus on the inverted pyramid structure, which starts with the most important information and then gradually moves to the least important. This allows journalists to “bury the lead” while still ensuring readers know the main point of the story.
The inverted pyramid structure was popularized by American journalist John McPhee in the 1970s. He argued that “the most important information should be placed at the beginning of the article, followed by progressively less important information.” This ensures readers have the necessary context to understand the story and keeps them engaged until the end.
The Pros and Cons of Using Bury the Lead
As with any writing technique, there are both benefits and drawbacks to using bury the lead. On one hand, burying the lead can be an effective way to increase suspense and keep readers hooked until the end of the story. On the other hand, it can make it difficult for readers to understand the main point of the story and can lead to confusion or frustration.
The key is to use bury the lead sparingly and only when it serves a purpose. If done correctly, it can be a great way to draw readers in and keep them engaged. However, if overused, it can lead to confusion and make it difficult for readers to understand the main point of the story.
Tips for Writing Effective Leads Without Bury the Lead
If you want to write effective leads without burying the lead, there are a few things you can do. First, know your audience. Think about who you are writing for and what kind of information they need to know. This will help you craft a lead that captures their attention and gets to the point quickly.
Second, consider the context. What is the overall tone of your story? Is it serious or lighthearted? Knowing the context can help you craft a lead that conveys the right message and engages the reader.
Finally, keep it interesting. Avoid bland or generic openings and try to incorporate something unique or unexpected. This will help you capture the reader’s attention and ensure they stay engaged with your story.
A Guide to Writing Attention-Grabbing Leads Without Bury the Lead
Now that you know the basics of writing effective leads without burying the lead, here are a few tips to help you craft an attention-grabbing lead:
- Start with a hook: Begin your lead with an intriguing quote, an engaging anecdote, or an interesting statistic.
- Use action words: Incorporate active verbs and adjectives to make your lead more engaging.
- Ask a question: Asking a thought-provoking question can be a great way to draw readers into your story.
- Incorporate dialogue: Incorporating dialogue into your lead can make it more dynamic and engaging.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “bury the lead” refers to a story or article that fails to get to the point right away. To avoid bury the lead in your writing, focus on the main point, use an attention-grabbing lead, and be concise. Examples of bury the lead in media include television news, newspaper articles, and social media posts. Finally, remember to start with a hook, use action words, ask a question, and incorporate dialogue to craft an attention-grabbing lead without burying the lead.
With these tips, you can ensure your stories and articles don’t suffer from bury the lead and capture the attention of your readers. Now that you know what bury the lead is and how to avoid it, you can ensure your writing stands out and engages your audience.
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