Think back to the last time you were at an event where speakers gave presentations. Content is also a presentation. “Action” in our content introductions can take a variety of forms, but they all stir up the desire to keep reading. Let’s look at three of these “Action Types.” Action Type #1: An unusual point of view I’m the first to admit that “being outrageous for the sake of being outrageous” is tiring. Action Type #2: Next-level benefits Your article may be very similar to others on the same topic. Tell your ideal reader exactly what she wants and needs to hear in both your headline and introduction. Action Type #3: Reader participation That’s how I started this article. You can encourage a reader to: Imagine Remember Consider Forget about [a popular notion] Set a timer to do an exercise or game When your introduction only explains information, you don’t show your reader that you have something to offer that they won’t find anywhere else. Make a great first impression to grow your audience We all love something new. How much time do you spend on your introductions?
Think back to the last time you were at an event where speakers gave presentations.
Typically, some sessions fly by and others quickly make you think:
“Now’s a good time to go to the bathroom and get a snack.”
While a number of factors cause those two scenarios, a common reason for the Bathroom-Snack train of thought is that the speaker didn’t make their presentation audience-focused.
The words they chose to lead with may have been relevant and informative, but they didn’t stir up the desire to keep listening.
Content is also a presentation. And how you shape that presentation determines whether someone wants to learn from you … or from someone else.
“Action” in our content introductions can take a variety of forms, but they all stir up the desire to keep reading.
Let’s look at three of these “Action Types.”
Action Type #1: An unusual point of view
I’m the first to admit that “being outrageous for the sake of being outrageous” is tiring.
So, the “unusual point of view” I’m referring to is one that takes advantage of your creativity and research skills; it’s not just a wild statement.
It could be:
- A comparison your reader hasn’t heard before
- A little-known statistic you’re going to analyze
- An unpopular stance you want to support with a strong argument
It’s about being genuinely bold.
Action Type #2: Next-level benefits
Your…
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