"Be
interesting."
It's
good advice, but it's nothing new. You've probably known from the
beginning that being able to interest readers is a crucial part of
growing as a writer.
But how are you supposed to do it exactly?
How can you "be interesting?"
Far too much of
what we write about attention and interest is abstract. We talk
about differentiation, value, and triggers - all useful concepts,
but you can't point to them. You can't hold out your hand and say,
"Give me some differentiation." As a result, it's hard to wrap your
mind around what those things actually mean.
Pay attention to
the things that command attention. Here are some techniques that
work. It's far from all of them, but it should be enough to get you
started.
Be
wrong: The world is full
of people trying to do the right things. It's become so common that
many of us are bored by it. We long for someone that is willing to
do the wrong thing, say the wrong thing, be the wrong thing. If you
have the courage to be that person, you'll find lots of people
paying attention to you.
Be
right: You can also gain
attention by being right, but only if you're more right than
everyone else. Run a mile faster than anyone else, explain your
topic more clearly, and be funnier than everyone else. Embody
perfection, and people will take notice.
Communicate
what others can't: As writers, we
take ideas from our heads and put them on the page. Sometimes we
forget how difficult that is for some people and how valuable that
makes us. Lots of people would give anything to be able to say what
they mean. But they can't. So, they turn to songs, books, and art
that communicate for them. Be a producer of those things, and
you'll never lose their attention.
Do
something: Everybody is
trying to say something important, but very few are trying to do
something important. If you want attention, dare not to just give
advice to others, but to live that advice yourself.
Surprise
people: Take a surprising
position, making outlandish analogy, or otherwise do the opposite
of what you normally do. As long as it's unexpected, people will
stop and pay attention.
Make
people laugh:
Writers can be
far too serious. We're so busy trying to teach that we forget to
entertain. As a result, large portions of our readerships fall
asleep. And what's the best way to wake people up? Humour. Public
speakers have been using it for ages, and as long as it's
appropriate for your audience, humour can wake your readers up and
get them paying attention again.
Be
startlingly honest: Every once in
awhile, tell the truth. Be so honest that you're scared to click
the "Post" button. Be so honest that no one knows what to say in
the comments section. Be so honest that your lawyer tells you to
stop. You'll feel better… and people will talk about
you.
Tell a
good story: This one has been
drilled into us so many times. Yes, stories support your points,
make solid openers, and teach people while entertaining them, but a
good story can make you a legend.
Master
the metaphor: Metaphors are the
paths we create to lead our readers to our ideas. Create one strong
enough, and it will become a highway of attention, leading readers
to your piece.
Put your
readers first: Yes, you're the
writer. Yes, you're the one with talent. Yes, you're the one
working your tail off. But it doesn't matter. The one and only
thing of consequence is your reader. You can rail against this fact
for as long as you like, but as long you do, you'll never be
interesting.
Reference:
Jonathan Morrow - "How to be Interesting"
Image Credits:
1. This is your brain on lithium
3. Leonie
4. Alcanor
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