How do you keep your readers reading?
Mar 2nd, 2009 | By John Roach | Category: Big Picture
I’m going to fail you today.
I don’t have the answers. I’ve got some ideas. I’ve got techniques for making sure your readers make it all the way to your last sentence, but not the end-all, be-all. I’m hoping you can fill in the blanks.
Without further ado, here are 10 tricks you can use to keep your readers engaged. Of course, not all techniques will work for all writers; mix and match as you will.
Structure
- A good hook. But don’t be too transparent, and make sure the hook fits the content.
- Avoid the inverted pyramid. Withhold some important information until the end.
- Don’t head straight to your point. Take a detour.
Style
- Use the active voice and short, simple sentences. Punctuate only when necessary.
- Be funny. Use a light, humorous tone, even if you don’t make readers laugh out loud.
- Discover your own voice. Be unique. Capture that first-draft, over-caffeinated, 4 a.m. style.
- Use precise, exciting verbs. Revise every bland action out of your writing.
Substance
- Don’t make statements; ask questions and then answer them later.
- Let your passion for the topic shine through. If you don’t have passion, fake it.
- Don’t let anything get resolved. Don’t let your readers lean back in their chair.
What techniques do you use to ensure reader engagement? Share them in the comments, and I’ll add the best to my list.
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This article was written by John Roach http://prowritingtips.com John is a writer and copy editor. You can follow him on twitter at @johnwroachiii. To see more posts click here |
It shouldn’t be that difficult for me to refrain from making the obvious “didn’t read the post” joke, should it?
Could I add something to point 3 in structure? I think taking a detour is wonderful, but make sure it makes sense and adds to the piece and doesn’t sound like you’re channeling that crazy woman that always corners you in the grocery store and manages to turn a question about eggs into the story of how she met her 3rd husband at a Denny’s off the innerstate after coming down from a 3 day Nyquil binge.
Tracy, how did you meet your husband? (See what I did there?)
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, probably one of my two favorite books, used detours to great effect. If done well, they work on me, at least.
These are really well thought out ideas. It’s enlightening to read blogs such as these because you really get a feel for what others use to emphasise their writing. I think the most important point you make is finding your own voice. I think many of us aspire to be like great writers rather than embracing our own characteristics and it’s important to embrace what we have to find our own unique style. Great post!