An introduction can make or break a written work. In a novel, that first page must hook the reader instantly. In hard journalism, the introductory paragraph (the 'lede') must present all the essentials of a story immediately. In other nonfiction, readers often judge an entire work based on what's presented in the introduction.
One common introductory technique is to use a question. The theory is that a reader, by merely answering the question, is drawn into the material almost instantly. He has essentially swallowed the baited hook, leaving the remaining valuable information to reel him all the way through the piece.
Indeed, a well-planned question can pique interest and emotionally involve a reader in the topic at hand. But simply rewording a fact and adding a question mark will not do. Here are some tips for effective question writing.
Beware of closed-ended questions, those that elicit a short, simple, predictable answer. Yes-or-no questions and those questions that ask for a specific numerical answer are almost always closed-ended.
Let's say an article about heart disease opens with "Did you know the human heart has four chambers?" The question might raise interest for a person who doesn't know about the four chambers. But the reader that answers the question "yes" may assume he already knows the article's content and opt not to read on. Questions that solicit an uninviting "no" can be even more immediately damaging.
An exception is the rhetorical question, one that is not asked to get an answer but to emphasize a common opinion or truth. For example, sales copy might ask, "Doesn't your family deserve the best service?" The buyer is not expected to answer but to simply agree with the opinion that he values his family. But rhetorical questions can be limited, too. If not used carefully, they can appear to pander.
Open-ended questions, on the other hand, can interest a reader without seeming to manipulate him. They might invite a reader to consider why or how something works. They might ask him to react emotionally rather than factually. They raise curiosity.
A single, poignant question works. A series of two or three escalating questions may work also. But use more than that in the same introduction, and what was meant to be an invitation to think begins to feel more like a criminal interrogation.
No matter how good they are, questions get tiresome. No one wants to be queried all the time.
There are two local writers who regularly appear in publications I receive. They both produce well-researched, timely, relevant, and overall informative articles. But despite their good work, their reliance on using questions in intros leaves an impression of amateur writing.
A question can be an effective method for introducing a piece. Just remember that it is one of many options. Bottom line: for best results, vary your intros.
© 2009 by AnnaLisa Michalski