Catching Attention

When you create something new, you want your work to stand out for all the right reasons—an interesting subject, appealing design, a creative vision. You also want it to generate buzz from your audience: That looks awesome! Wow, this is interesting. I never thought of that. Where can I find out more about this? Here are three strategies that will help you draw attention to your work.

▶ Make it visual.

Present information visually when possible. The old adage about a picture being worth 1,000 words is no exaggeration. Visual information serves two important functions: First, it draws the audience in, and second, it provides information in a format that is quickly understood and remembered.

Think of ways to make your creation visually appealing. Use photos and graphics in your written projects and accompany your oral presentations with visual aids. Make your Web content pop with well-placed images and videos. But make sure every visual serves your purpose.

▶ Make it original.

Think independently, and be unique, even unusual. You can draw attention to your creations by allowing your creative personality to shine through your work. Try these strategies:

• Use an authentic voice in writing and speaking. Sincere, conversational language goes a long way with an audience.
• Go against the flow. Tackle a problem in a completely new way.
• Do something surprising. Turn an essay into a song; use recyclables to build a sculpture; design your own experiment; write and film a short video about a math concept.
• Write creative titles and headlines. Successful bloggers will tell you that headlines offering something of value are more likely to attract and keep readers (“Get Rid of Your Test Jitters Once and for All”).

▶ Make it useful.

Projects that prove worthwhile to your audience will garner attention. Art can appeal to viewers’ emotions. Research reports can inform. Blueprints can demonstrate effective design strategy. Provide your audience with value, and they will return.