Introductions and Openings

Introduction or openings are usually the hardest part of writing anything. In your essays, you need to develop some kind of hook and then get to your thesis in an interesting and compelling way. Since they’re at the beginning of any written piece most people think that is where they have to begin writing, which is not true at all. Why put that pressure on yourself? However, you have to craft one sooner or later, so here is some thoughts as you begin. A lot of this material is adapted from a book called Spunk & Bite, which has the best explanation and ideas on openings I have ever found.

Ideally, every opening should be a promise to the reader. It should say, “I promise that something will interest you if you keep reading.” But how do you anticipate what will interest a reader, real or imagined? This is where notions of writing for an audience come into play. If you know who the audience it is a whole lot easier. If you are not sure what should you do?
People are always interested in the truth. The truth is inherently stimulating and compelling. So that is what you always need to pursue, the truth. By truth I mean that which is real and sincere, undeniable. It may even be the first thing that interested you about the subject on which you are writing. That which is sincere and real rings true with everyone, because everyone has a connection to truth. This may seem a little abstract and hard to understand, which is what makes it so challenging.

Here are some types of promises. The trick is to use them boldly and take risks.

Symbolism: small detail with grander meanings
Understatement: less that implies much more
Contrast: tension between multiple elements
Foreboding: hints of trouble ahead
Force: Sensual image and powerful verbs
Intimacy: establish a connection with the reader

Make sure that the type of promise you choose sets the tone and the direction of the piece. In the beginning of the writing process, it is always best to just slap something down and get to the writing. As mentioned previously, you don’t have to start writing the introduction first. Writing can be hard enough without the added obstacle of forcing yourself to tackle the most difficult part immediately.

Still, the most important aspect of any introduction or opening is always be sincere. Here are six specific techniques:

• someones remark, quotation
• an intriguing or amusing question
• a striking or startling statement
• a description or stage setting
• use of storytelling, narrative
  one line attention getter, “capsule”

Finally, try to strike quickly. However you choose to open your writing do it with boldness and fearlessness. Take risks in your efforts. Sometimes you will fall. Yet, sometimes the best way to learn what works is to learn what doesn’t work, especially with different forms of writing, because the variables of the pieces you are writing are always changing.