Effective Introductions
PROGRAM: “IN A WORD”
EPISODE: EFFECTIVE INTRODUCTIONS
[10 SEC OF MUSIC] [FADE MUSIC]
I’m Mary Beth Schaefer with "In a Word," your weekly communication tip.
Today I’ll give advice on writing effective introductions. A good introduction is often what entices people to read the rest of a book, article or other written work. Some types of documents have introductions that are direct and to-the-point. Memos and lab reports, for instance, are usually straightforward and free of fluff.
But maybe your communication situation lends itself to a more creative introduction. For instance, if you’re writing a personal statement, blog post, academic essay or popular article, you might want a catchier opening. One technique is to start with a counterargument or myth related to your topic, acknowledge its plausibility and then debunk it. Here’s an example. “For centuries, leprosy was thought to be a highly contagious disease. This belief makes sense, considering the biblical references to leprosy and the years of social stigmas associated with it. However, research has shown that leprosy isn’t very contagious at all.”
You could also start your paper with an anecdote, using descriptive imagery to paint a picture for your reader: “Heaps of dusty books covered the green shag carpet of my bedroom floor. In the past 24 hours, I had been Harriet the Spy and Tom Sawyer, Matilda and Scout Finch. It was the day after my 11th birthday, and I had just gotten my first library card.”
Another type of hook is a new take on a traditional definition. If you choose to use this kind of introduction, avoid giving the standard dictionary definition. Instead, put your own twist on it. For example: “Perception is what you think you look like in a bathing suit. Reality is what others think you look like in a bathing suit.”
Or you might surprise your reader by opening with a startling statistic. For instance: “The Texas A&M University Writing Center has conducted over 3000 consultations this semester alone.” Other common ways to hook readers include using an interesting, witty or famous quotation or posing a thought-provoking question. You can also look to your favorite books, newspapers or magazines for inspiration.
Think about popular articles you’ve read recently, and revisit one that stands out in your memory. What did the writer do to make you want to read the story? Did the writer debunk a myth, tell a story, give a definition or use a different technique? Would a similar introduction be appropriate for what you’re writing? When deciding which hook to use, always consider what the purpose of your essay, story or article is.
And keep in mind that even though your essay starts with the introduction, sometimes it’s easier to write the beginning of your essay last.
This has been "In a Word," a program made possible by the Texas A&M University Writing Center and a production of KAMU FM on the campus of Texas A&M University in College Station. For more writing and speaking tips, visit our website at writingcenter.tamu.edu. I’m Mary Beth Schaefer, helping you make every word count.
[5 to 10 SEC OF MUSIC]
EPISODE: EFFECTIVE INTRODUCTIONS
[10 SEC OF MUSIC] [FADE MUSIC]
I’m Mary Beth Schaefer with "In a Word," your weekly communication tip.
Today I’ll give advice on writing effective introductions. A good introduction is often what entices people to read the rest of a book, article or other written work. Some types of documents have introductions that are direct and to-the-point. Memos and lab reports, for instance, are usually straightforward and free of fluff.
But maybe your communication situation lends itself to a more creative introduction. For instance, if you’re writing a personal statement, blog post, academic essay or popular article, you might want a catchier opening. One technique is to start with a counterargument or myth related to your topic, acknowledge its plausibility and then debunk it. Here’s an example. “For centuries, leprosy was thought to be a highly contagious disease. This belief makes sense, considering the biblical references to leprosy and the years of social stigmas associated with it. However, research has shown that leprosy isn’t very contagious at all.”
You could also start your paper with an anecdote, using descriptive imagery to paint a picture for your reader: “Heaps of dusty books covered the green shag carpet of my bedroom floor. In the past 24 hours, I had been Harriet the Spy and Tom Sawyer, Matilda and Scout Finch. It was the day after my 11th birthday, and I had just gotten my first library card.”
Another type of hook is a new take on a traditional definition. If you choose to use this kind of introduction, avoid giving the standard dictionary definition. Instead, put your own twist on it. For example: “Perception is what you think you look like in a bathing suit. Reality is what others think you look like in a bathing suit.”
Or you might surprise your reader by opening with a startling statistic. For instance: “The Texas A&M University Writing Center has conducted over 3000 consultations this semester alone.” Other common ways to hook readers include using an interesting, witty or famous quotation or posing a thought-provoking question. You can also look to your favorite books, newspapers or magazines for inspiration.
Think about popular articles you’ve read recently, and revisit one that stands out in your memory. What did the writer do to make you want to read the story? Did the writer debunk a myth, tell a story, give a definition or use a different technique? Would a similar introduction be appropriate for what you’re writing? When deciding which hook to use, always consider what the purpose of your essay, story or article is.
And keep in mind that even though your essay starts with the introduction, sometimes it’s easier to write the beginning of your essay last.
This has been "In a Word," a program made possible by the Texas A&M University Writing Center and a production of KAMU FM on the campus of Texas A&M University in College Station. For more writing and speaking tips, visit our website at writingcenter.tamu.edu. I’m Mary Beth Schaefer, helping you make every word count.
[5 to 10 SEC OF MUSIC]