If both the roads are safe and the drive smooth, would you take the shorter way or the longer one? Time is short and sweet, definitely the shorter one, most of us would agree. Longer distances are good if you are on a vacation, you want to tune yourself with the nature and spend some quality time driving. Now, think your reader is the driver of the car and the roads the writing. If you are penning down something for the daily news, columns about technology, climate, retail etc, reports, etc – your reader will like the short road. For novel, thesis, poetry, stories or sometimes elaborate literature articles – the longer route with minute details, flowery language is the key. It’s as simple as GIVE WHAT THEY WANT. So, here we go, giving you what you are looking for – 10 ways of generating interest in your readers:
- Identify your reader – If you know your reader well, you can work in that direction.
- Interesting headlines – If you have a nice headline in tune with your article half the battle is won. Headlines should be appealing and innovative.
- Opening batsman is important – A good start is as important as the opening batsman to his team. A good start will ensure that the reader begins to read your work.
- KISS – Keep it short and simple. We all know about this golden rule, but do we always follow it? This is the key to the shorter route.
- Avoid jargons – Only when absolutely necessary use jargons and technical terms.
- Visual appeal – Break your article into short paragraphs and use a readable font. Readers, usually lose interest in long winding paragraphs.
- Flowery language – Again, if this is what your article and reader demands, put it to good use.
- Give facts – State facts and numbers as much as you can; as it gives your reader the real picture.
- Examples – Oh, my personal favourite. Give examples and try to relate the subject with the reader. Examples help them to identify with the topic and generate curiosity and interest.
- Closing paragraph – It is the general tendency to read the start and end; and glance through the middle of the article. Write an impressive closing paragraph, which will the hearts of your audience.
Use these golden rules as per your need, just to correct as per the need of your reader and you sure have a winning piece.
