What Does It Mean To Bury The Lead

Burying the lead refers to the practice of beginning a story with background information or secondary details, thereby delaying or obscuring the most important and attention-grabbing elements of the story. This approach contrasts with good journalistic practice, which emphasizes placing the most newsworthy information at the very beginning of a piece. In essence, "burying the lead" means hiding the main point amidst less significant details, which can confuse or disengage the reader. This article will delve into what it means to bury the lead, why it happens, and how to avoid it.

Introduction

In journalism, clarity and conciseness are paramount. The primary goal is to inform the reader quickly and efficiently. The lead, or lede, is the opening paragraph or sentence of a news story. It is designed to capture the reader's attention and summarize the key facts. When the lead is buried, the reader must wade through less important information before discovering the core message. This not only tests the reader's patience but also violates the fundamental principles of effective communication. Burying the lead is a common pitfall, especially for inexperienced writers or those who are not entirely clear on the main focus of their story. Understanding the concept and how to avoid it is crucial for anyone involved in journalism, content writing, or any form of communication where clarity is essential.

What Does It Mean to Bury the Lead?

Burying the lead means that the most crucial, interesting, or newsworthy information is not presented at the beginning of a story. Instead, it is placed later, often after several paragraphs of background, context, or less important details. This can happen for various reasons, including:

• Lack of Clarity: The writer may not have a clear understanding of what the most important aspect of the story is.
• Trying to Build Suspense: In some cases, the writer may intentionally delay the main point to create suspense or intrigue. However, this approach is generally inappropriate for news writing, where the primary goal is to inform, not entertain.
• Overemphasis on Context: While context is important, starting with too much background information can obscure the lead.
• Poor Organization: The writer may simply have organized their thoughts poorly, leading to a disorganized and unclear introduction. To better understand what burying the lead entails, let’s consider some examples.

Examples of Buried Leads

Let's look at a few examples to illustrate what it means to bury the lead: Example 1: Original (Buried Lead): "The city council met on Tuesday night to discuss a range of issues affecting local residents. Among the topics on the agenda were zoning regulations, infrastructure improvements, and community development initiatives. After a lengthy debate, which lasted over three hours and included input from several community members, the council finally addressed the issue of the proposed new park." Revised (Clear Lead): "The city council approved the construction of a new park on Tuesday night, following a three-hour debate that included input from community members." In the original example, the main point (the approval of the new park) is buried within background information about the city council meeting. The revised example puts the most important information first, making it immediately clear to the reader. Example 2: Original (Buried Lead): "In recent years, concerns about climate change have been growing, leading to increased focus on renewable energy sources. Solar power, wind energy, and hydroelectric power are all being explored as alternatives to fossil fuels. Scientists and engineers have been working tirelessly to develop more efficient and cost-effective renewable energy technologies. Yesterday, a breakthrough was announced in solar panel technology." Revised (Clear Lead): "Scientists announced a breakthrough in solar panel technology yesterday, promising more efficient and cost-effective solar power." In this case, the original lead provides general background about climate change and renewable energy before finally getting to the main point: the breakthrough in solar panel technology. The revised lead immediately highlights the most newsworthy information. Example 3: Original (Buried Lead): "The school board has been grappling with budget issues for several months, as rising costs and declining enrollment have put a strain on resources. Various options have been considered, including staff reductions, program cuts, and increased fundraising efforts. After weeks of deliberation, a decision was finally reached last night." Revised (Clear Lead): "Faced with budget constraints, the school board voted last night to cut funding for after-school programs." Here, the original lead talks about the school board's budget issues and the various options they've considered. The revised lead immediately states the decision that was made, which is the most important information.

Why Do Writers Bury the Lead?

There are several reasons why writers might bury the lead:

• Uncertainty About the Main Point: Sometimes, writers are not entirely sure what the most important aspect of the story is. They may have a lot of information and struggle to prioritize it.
• Trying to Provide Context: While providing context is important, some writers overemphasize background information at the expense of the main point. They may feel the need to explain everything before getting to the core of the story.
• Fear of Oversimplification: Some writers worry that starting with the main point will oversimplify the issue or not provide enough nuance. However, it is possible to present the main point clearly and concisely while still providing necessary context and nuance.
• Habit or Style: Some writers may simply be in the habit of writing in a roundabout way, or they may believe that a more gradual introduction is more engaging. However, in news writing, clarity and directness are generally preferred over stylistic flourishes.
• Lack of Experience: Inexperienced writers may not fully understand the principles of journalistic writing and may not realize the importance of a strong, clear lead.

How to Avoid Burying the Lead

To avoid burying the lead, follow these guidelines:

1. Identify the Most Important Information: Before you start writing, determine what the most newsworthy or important aspect of the story is. Ask yourself: What is the key takeaway? What is the one thing I want readers to remember?
2. Start with the Key Information: Put the most important information in the first sentence or paragraph. This is the lead. It should be clear, concise, and attention-grabbing.
3. Follow the Inverted Pyramid: Use the inverted pyramid structure, which means presenting the most important information first, followed by supporting details in descending order of importance. This ensures that readers get the key facts even if they only read the first few paragraphs.
4. Be Concise: Avoid unnecessary words or phrases. Get to the point quickly and efficiently.
5. Provide Context Later: After presenting the main point, provide necessary context and background information. This allows readers to understand the significance of the news without having to wade through less important details first.
6. Use Active Voice: Active voice makes your writing more direct and easier to understand. For example, instead of saying "The decision was made by the committee," say "The committee made the decision."
7. Write Short Paragraphs: Short paragraphs are easier to read and digest. Break up long blocks of text into smaller, more manageable chunks.
8. Revise and Edit: After you've finished writing, review your work to ensure that the lead is clear and that the most important information is presented first. Ask yourself: Is the main point immediately obvious? Is there any unnecessary information in the lead?
9. Seek Feedback: Ask a colleague or friend to read your work and provide feedback. A fresh pair of eyes can often spot buried leads or other areas for improvement.

The Importance of a Strong Lead

A strong lead is crucial for several reasons:

• Captures the Reader's Attention: In today's fast-paced world, readers have limited time and attention. A strong lead grabs their attention and motivates them to continue reading.
• Sets the Tone: The lead sets the tone for the rest of the story. It tells the reader what the story is about and why it is important.
• Provides Clarity: A clear lead ensures that readers understand the main point of the story from the outset. This helps them to make sense of the information that follows.
• Enhances Credibility: A well-written lead enhances the credibility of the writer and the publication. It shows that the writer is knowledgeable and capable of presenting information in a clear and concise manner.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

In addition to burying the lead, there are several other common mistakes to avoid in news writing:

• Using Cliches: Avoid overused phrases or expressions that have lost their impact.
• Writing Vague or Ambiguous Sentences: Be specific and precise in your language.
• Using Jargon: Avoid technical terms or jargon that your audience may not understand.
• Making Assumptions: Don't assume that your readers have prior knowledge of the topic. Provide necessary background information.
• Failing to Fact-Check: Always verify your information before publishing.
• Ignoring the Audience: Write for your target audience and consider their interests and level of knowledge.

Conclusion

Burying the lead is a common mistake that can undermine the effectiveness of your writing. By understanding what it means to bury the lead and how to avoid it, you can improve the clarity, conciseness, and impact of your writing. Remember to identify the most important information, put it first, and follow the inverted pyramid structure. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your readers get the key facts quickly and efficiently, and that your message is clear and compelling. In the world of journalism and content writing, clarity is king. A well-crafted lead not only informs but also engages, ensuring that your message resonates with your audience from the very first sentence. By mastering the art of the lead, you can elevate your writing and communicate with greater impact.