How to Make a Boring Topic Exciting
It’s inevitable that we sometimes have to write about subjects that are as exciting as watching paint dry (or that we have to write about watching paint dry because we’re writing a how-to on DIY home improvement). Regardless, it’s possible to take any topic and make it exciting…no matter how slow to dry.
Find What Interests You about the Topic
Just like there is something to love about every person, there is something of interest about every topic…you might have to dig a little to figure out what that thing is. Keeping the reason you’re writing and what your audience is reading for in mind, try to figure out how to add value to the subject.
Fun facts and helpful or historical tidbits pique the audience’s interest by imparting new information while also delivering the content the audience came for in the first place.
Diversify Your Writing Style
This is a technical tip, but you know what makes writing boring to read—even writing about interesting topics? Lack of diversity. If all of your sentences have the same cadence, the same number of words, the same tone, then your audience is going to go fuzzy-headed. Diversify your style. Like this. Write with a rhythm to keep your audience tuned in and interested.
Use Humor to Your Advantage
Erma Bombeck is known for writing about mundane topics in such a way that made them interesting. She used humor, which is a great strategy for making a boring topic exciting. Voice and personality can go a long way when it comes to piquing interest. Note that the humorous elements don’t have to be over-the-top nor do they have to be the star of the show—a few asides here and there usually suffice.
Tell the Truth about Your Topic
Speaking of honesty, audiences know when they’re being lied to, and they don’t appreciate it. It’s one thing to try to find a way to make a boring topic exciting, but don’t try to sell your boring topic as exciting. In The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing, authors Al Ries and Jack Trout point out that honesty is exciting. Admit that you know that a post on how to watch paint dry to have the perfect room refresh is duller than dirt. Your audience will appreciate your honesty and will be driven to stick around for more of your candor.
Employ Narrative to Tell the Story Behind the Topic
Stories have clear beginnings, middles, and ends. There’s a buildup to the moment of climax and a resolution. Stories are memorable, satisfying, and entertaining to follow…even with boring topics. Make the reader the “hero” and guide them through the topic.
Let’s say you are writing about DIY house painting. The story here is that the hero has decided to fix up his house and (crisis) only has a weekend to do it. After getting the tools for the job, he’s ready to start his quest. He’s suited up and is painting his walls…he’s reached the point of no return. Soon, he’s a DIY master, movie montaging his way through rooms to the beat of Duran Duran. Finally, he’s done; the walls dried flawlessly. The triumphant hero can now clean his brushes.
Use Visuals When Possible
Lastly, use visuals; the added stimulation of visuals like pictures or GIFs instantly boost the excitement factor. Animated videos also make boring topics more exciting. Such videos are easier for most to follow and to focus on than straight reading. Thus, consider your subject and how you most enjoy learning more. Chances are, your audience will feel the same way.
When it comes to telling exciting stories, we believe there’s always a way. If you need help making your topics sing, contact us, The Storyteller Agency, and let us help you enchant your audiences with consistently exciting content.
info@storytelleragency.com
