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steps—at the end. Front-load as much as you can, fill in the details in the middle, and use your conclusion as a reinforcement. If you’re an editor, the type of writer who likes to draft first and then revise, be sure you go back to the beginning of your draft with a critical eye. Put yourself in

your reader’s shoes, and ask:

Is this something I’d want to read? Would I read through to the end of this message?

If the answer is no, consider how you might grab your reader’s attention. Is there an opportunity or risk you can bring to the fore to get her attention? Can you say something in the beginning to motivate her to read the whole thing?

No matter if you’re writing a quick e-mail or a long report, it’s important to be sure your opening is clear and that you’re saying it in a way that will catch your reader’s attention.

Whether you’re a planner or an editor, it’s a good idea to double-check your opening before you send your document off to the reader. Especially with longer documents, ideas often shift while you’re writing, and your original opening might not accurately reflect what follows. When you review, you might have more clarity about your purpose and how you’re going to appeal to your reader. As you review, ask yourself:

Is it clear to my reader why I’m writing? Is my reader incentivized to keep reading? Does my tone support my message? (For more information on tone, see the box “Does This Sound Okay?” here.)

SUMMARY: Start Strong and Specific

The beginning of your message is make or break. Use your opening to let readers know quickly what to expect. Think from your reader’s point of view when you write your openings. What will make them want to read? Consider any risks or opportunities you can highlight in the beginning to grab your reader’s attention. Use your opening to motivate your readers to read beyond the first few lines. Go back and check your opening once you’ve finished your draft. Does it align with what follows?

You Don’t Have to Start at the Beginning

Introductions and other kinds of beginnings can be difficult to write. A lot is riding on the opening of your document, and getting started can be intimidating. The good news is that you don’t have to start your draft by writing the beginning of it. In fact, the beginning might not be the best thing to start with.

Don’t get hung up on writing your introduction, especially when you’re working on a long document like a report or proposal. Start wherever you feel most confident. That might be somewhere in the middle of the document, a section where you feel you have the most to say or can make the most compelling argument. Go ahead and complete that

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