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Writing your intro (opening paragraphs)

The opening paragraph or two paragraphs (the intro or introduction) is what hooks your audience and persuades them to read on, so it needs to grab their attention. It should:

• be short and to the point;
• tell the reader what the topic is and hint at what’s to come (only one, or the main point, if you try to say too much it’ll be cluttered);
• convey the essence of the story;
• say how the story will affect them (what it means);
• tell the reader something new and interesting (your best bit of information).

Good ways of starting include:

• Brief summary of the main point of the story.
• A statement.
• A starting, unusual or little-known fact.
• A description setting the scene.

» On to Writing body copy

© Adrian Ruck MCIPR