Ambiguity Quote by William Safire
“Never put the story in the lead. Let 'em have a hot shot of ambiguity right between the eyes.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The New York Times Style Guide, 1999
Journalists should avoid revealing the main point immediately, instead creating intrigue with ambiguity.
In simple terms: Delay the main point to create intrigue.
Key Takeaway
Use suspense to engage readers.
Themes
journalism
storytelling
intrigue
Mood
curious
provocative
Type
instructional
advice
When to use this quote
- news articles
- feature pieces
- op‑eds
- advertising copy
Key Concepts
narrative tension
reader engagement
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance mystery with clarity?
- When is it appropriate to reveal the story early?
A Different Perspective
Too much ambiguity can confuse or mislead the audience.
