Did the title of this blog make you want to read it? Would you have been more intrigued by “Is Your Title Killing Your Presentation?” According to research compiled on website Buffer, numbers and questions are only two of eight proven title techniques to grab attention and make listeners (or readers) want to hear more. It’s worth taking a look.
Can You Believe This? (Another title technique)
Years ago I wrote a book called 365 Sales Tips for Winning Business,* that was then made into one of those one-a-day calendars you frequently see on gift tables at Christmas. When the calendar publisher sent me the cover for approval, it said, “Sales Tips for Winning Business.” I immediately called to complain and he couldn’t understand why I was so upset. To make my point, I said, “Would you rather read a book called, ‘Ways to Make Love’ or ’101 Ways to Make Love.’?” He got the point and corrected the title.
It’s the difference in appeal between “Habits of Highly Effective People” and “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” The movie industry understands this as well. You won’t be seeing “Ways to Die in the West” this summer, but you will be seeing “A Million Ways to Die in the West.” Small or large, numbers convey predictability and uniqueness a combination that appeals to both our left and right brain.s
Never Be Boring Again (And another)
More recently, I coached a woman who was speaking at a wood trade association about laws requiring lumber companies to track their wood from point of departure to point of arrival. Her original title was a yawner like, “Legal Requirements for Transporting Lumber.” We quickly changed it to “It is 10 PM. Do You Know Where Your Wood Is?” Much more intriguing.
Your Turn
All your great content and hard work become meaningless if you do not immediately hook the attention of your readers and listeners. Try this exercise: Look at a recent blog, article, ebook, whitepaper, book, proposal, speech or presentation and compare its title to the techniques described in the Buffer article. How can you improve the title to strengthen its hooking power?
Anne Miller
- Details on Buffer article
- P.S. Complimentary copy for you 365 Sales Tips for Winning Business is 10 chapters, 30 tips per chapter, dealing with each phase of the sales call from Probing to Negotiating. Written years ago, the tips are as valid
today as they were then, I have a small inventory left and will be happy to send a free copy for the cost of handling and mailing only. Send a check for $5.95 to Chiron Associates, Box 624, NYC NY 10163 today to get your free copy. Supply limited.
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Keep listeners hooked throughout your presentations. Call today for a complimentary coaching, training, or speaking consultation. Make every presentation in-person, online, or on the phone a success. Call 212 876 1875.
“I still use what you taught me thirteen years ago!” CEO, 1stDibs.com
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