Break down the main thought into three subsets. 1) The hypothesis, or the point of the presentation.
2) Support for the argument, and,
3) The concluding remark. Format the material in a way that is eye catching and easy for viewers to follow. 1) Use, do not overuse, headings, subheadings, font sizes, and bullets.
2) The presentation should be in chunks, easily taken in, with links to detail. Capture the reader and keep his interest to the end. Upon conclusion, either SIZE=1 Say “goodbye,” leaving the reader with a memorable impression and a cordial invitation to return, or,
(2) Devise contents and links so as to retain the visitor or reader to continue the conversation.[/SIZE]
Sure thing, TechnoBear. That thought would lead us into a discussion of presentations on the small screen. The issues are not really new,
but some of the challenges brought on by portable devices are. That happens to be an area I am trying to get a handle on now.
As concerns layout, font selection, and all that, people spend careers doing just that. Web designers cannot expect the same results
with a general understanding. However, briefings on the general rules can only help. Web designers tend to underestimate what goes
into design excellence. At the same time, many overestimate their own skills in this area. The good ones strike a balance, and are
realistic about it.
Incidentally, I hope my first post to this topic was not interpreted as an attempt to be all that. That formatting took time, but it was intended
to make the point with a few words. Looking back at it, I think some might have seen it as show-offy. Wasn’t intended to be that way.
Righto, Shyflower. Thanks. Just a little preventive worry on my part.
The stock answer to adnetit’s question is to “go to the library and join a writers’ group.”
I wanted to make an impact and send a message quickly. I have been surprised when after taking time to format a post, (I use forums a lot,) to
receive replies, “How did you do that?” I say, Geez, look at that little toolbar, up there
Honestly, I understand and sympathize with young people starting out. The schools have appear to have decided not to push students too hard.
I honestly think the best and the brightest gravitate to the internet, many of whom ask, “How does this thing actually work?” Quite a few receive
their education that way. Sooner or later, they launch into the professional world, where writing and presentation have become what they
are taking to market. Lucky for them, intelligent young people tend to catch on fast. This is not to say old guys like me can’t learn a thing or
two from them; we can, and do, if our eyes are open.
The first part of the post – hypothesis, evidence, and conclusion – is right out of post graduate training. That’s a guideline. There are
all sorts of variations, such as “introduce pain and introduce the relief.” All kinds of variations. The message is to have a structure in
mind, a plan of action, before starting to put the words down.
The second idea is a design principle: sometimes, less is better.
The third comes right out of advertising and psychology. Get the reader’s attention, lead him thru the presentation, and
finish with a call to action – call for details, more information, buy now! Get her phone number
We could go on like this. The best song in the world amounts to nothing until someone hears it.
When writers write from the heart one day, messy as it can get, then wake up the
next day and get to the task of structuring, bringing to bear all their training and experience,
the results can be impressive. Not too dry, not too sweet -0- kind of like a good Chardonnay.
Getting rid of the "I mean"s and the "Goes to show"s. Plain Language. Still in fashion.
Incidentally, Shyflower, that formula you quoted is a 1950 Hollywood standard for instructional
media specialists. Still great advice.
I’ll tell you that the focus on the text to be dynamic - ask rhetorical questions, underline the words that are important, do intervals, so that the text was friendly and readable. And most importantly you must show that you have something interesting to write
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As far as writing contents on websites, front loading is the best method. Loading the front part itself with the information will make the visitor to stick to the post
It is always advisable to begin with catchy and interesting phrase or statement that would invite readers to read more.
Whatever the topic is, you just have to write something that stimulates the readers’ interests, including yourself.
Readers are also writers and, most of the times, critics in their own way. So, it is important to begin with a statement that intrigues them.
Most important factor in content writing is ORIGINALITY. You should go deep inside the topic, read it, do R&D and then move with you own thoughts. You can do it only if you have interest because writing on the same topic in various ways is not an easy task.
I believe you can only write good content if you’re fully aware of the topic that you’re writing about. Going google, getting to know the nuts and bolts of the topic usually gives shallow and superficial content.
The idea is to keep the user engaged and get your point across. You can’t sell a product effectively until you’re fully aware of it’s dynamics.
I don’t know for what you are writing content, but instead of writing if you create video of your content, then it is more impressive. Videos are more interactive and informative. People will prefer to see video rather than reading text.
The content should do justice to the topic. You can start with the way you want but make sure that the essence of the topic is not lost. Preferably the start should be impressive that makes the reader to read further.
Yes midynamics, you are right. But we can not always have idea of each and everything and that’s why need to take reference from any trusted resource. Engaging users is also an art and so that much powerful and interesting your content should be.
When writing any content for your site, you have to create a summary or outline on what points you are going to tackle. Most topics that attract readers are those that would answer a problem. Choose a simple yet compelling title like How to or top ten… Lists are very effective because it’s simple and easy to digest.
Not true for me. I would much rather read a well written and well illustrated article than sit through someone’s home-made video. Written articles allow you to look for the specific information you want rather than wait to see if the presentation answers your question.
I agree wholeheartedly. And with a written article, you don’t miss the bit you were waiting for because the phone rings, or somebody comes to speak to you, etc. It’s also much easier if you’re in a public place. You can read an article quietly, whereas a video may be annoying to those around you.
Good points. At our house it’s the dog barks just when you were hearing the information you wanted. I also think, for most people, you retain more of what you read than what you look at. To me, reading is much more interactive than watching a video. I have the TV on right now, but I couldn’t tell you much more than the name of the show I am “watching”.
