Are You Able to Get Your Message Across?
In fact, headlines are often the first line of writing a person reads when he encounters an article, news story, or book, so writers often depend on headlines to make their articles appealing. In addition to creating curiosity and stirring up interest, the tone of the headline also affects the readers’ responses and elicits reactions right there. Here are some things to remember when creating and testing headlines:
The headline should set the tone
In almost all cases, your purpose as a writer will help set the tone of the headline as well as the body of the piece. The headline should reflect the tone of the piece, whether it’s upbeat, formal, businesslike, provocative, engaging, or a call-to-arms kind of thing.
Determine the goal of your write-up first, and this will help you develop the tone for your headline. Are you trying to offer information? Ask a question. Engage the reader? Create an urgency?
Write down the keywords that define your article
The keywords in your headline should reflect or represent the most important idea or topic that you intend to cover in your article, especially if you are writing for the web. Keywords can also be useful if you are writing for print media.
Even though some keywords are neutral in tone, there are some that best express the feelings or emotions in your paper. When you go through tone testing later, it will be easier for you to determine which one to use to achieve the best effect. Write these words down so you can decide later which one to use.
Write down the words that reflect the tone of your headline
Using words like ‘truly’, ‘really’, and ‘absolutely’ can make the headline seem like what you have to offer is the best. These words give a sense of exclusivity and can help your headline stand out. ‘How to’, ‘Guide to’, and ‘Tips for’ are often used in headlines to set the tone for an instructional article. A headline with action words, on the other hand, implies enthusiasm and urgency.
Tone testing
The best way to know you have the right tone for your headline is to test it. Use at least three search engines and type the headline you plan to use.
Go through the top three or five search engine results and gauge the relevance of your headline. Read the articles and see if the tone is similar to the tone you wish to use.
You can tell if the headline’s tone works by being part of the audience. Test it by comparing your reaction to the headline and the body of the article. Also, look at the comments section for reader reactions. You might be able to find frank criticism there, which you can use to improve your own writing.
Test the tone with a limited audience. Show the headline to friends and ask their thoughts. Specifically, ask them what emotions the headline evokes. If the answer is exactly what you intended, the headline is on the right track. If not, revise it.
You can also tone test the headline by posting it online. Then, you can make changes to the words to see what kind of reaction you get. Once you get the result you want, you should stick with that headline.
