What can you do? Here are seven ways to anchor that wayward reader from your first paragraph to your last:
1. QUESTION ? Ask a question in the last sentence of the opening paragraph. Example: "What did the three little pigs learn when they went out on their own?"
2. ANOTHER QUESTION ? If you don't ask a question as the last sentence of your opening paragraph, try asking it in the first sentence of a few middle paragraphs. Example: "What did Pig # 1 discover?"
3. BACKGROUND ? Bring the reader up-to-date on a problem. Example: "As you might remember from the original fable, the three pigs wandered off in different directions, each with completely different plans."
4. PROMISE ? Offer a few specifics in a paragraph, and offer to reveal more details later. Example: "The three pigs each built separate houses, which we'll discuss in detail later."
5. CLARIFY ? Show the reader that you're about to explain some previously unrevealed data. Example: "If Pig # 1 had built a stronger house, would he be out of danger?"
6. REMIND ? Reinforce points made in earlier paragraphs. Example: "Remember that each pig needed to find a house quickly."
7. LIST ? Make a list of items previously discussed. Example: "Yes, the pigs left their original dwelling for three reasons: (a) Etc., etc."
8. INVOLVE THE READER ? Ask the reader what he or she would do in similar circumstances. Example: "What would you do if your house fell down, and a wolf began to chase you?"
Bottom line: A transitional paragraph is like a combination road map and compass. It should keep the reader headed in the right direction and simultaneously point toward a goal.
Rix Quinn covers all sorts of writing techniques in his book "Words That Stick: A Guide to Short Writing with Big Impact." It's available in your local bookstore, or <a target="_new" href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1580085768/qid/">http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1580085768/qid/</a>
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