Power Zero Sentences Catch A Reader's Attention

Unless you are creating a technical report, most documents you write will contain Power Zero sentences. Sales letters, marketing brochures, Web sites, executive summaries, annual reports-all these need beginnings that hook your audience immediately.
 

Power Zero sentences can:

• open a document with a bang, create interest, and hint at what's coming
• be used to greet or thank your reader
• provide necessary background before you launch into your main points

Experiment with different kinds of Power Zero sentences. For example, you could start your document with an intriguing question, a startling statistic, an illustration, a quote or anecdote. Take a look at the Wall Street Journal's editorial page to see Power Zero sentences at work. Usually you'll find a paragraph or two of background information on the topic or a quick personal story that grabs your attention. Once you're hooked, they outline their opinion.