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Thoughts on how to write an article that entertains

This type of article is definitely the hardest to get right. You can use this teaching model Tell em what you're going to tell them, Tell em Tell em what you've told them' to construct articles which Instruct and Inform; reminding us that we need an introduction, a body of information and a conclusion. This still bears us in good stead for articles which entertain. The difference is that there are so many ways in which we can develop humour, surprise and intrigue and everybody's tastes are different. That's why I have titled this article slightly differently as there is no safe guaranteed route for this type of article. What people find entertaining is not universal: what makes you laugh, may make me cringe! For example, I enjoy clever description and good use of language; I do not get slapstick humour; I do not like humour which embarrasses, harms teases' an unsuspecting innocent victim. (I say innocent', as I'm partial to a bit of 'appropriate but just revenge') I am not listing my likes and dislikes because they are important in themselves, but to illustrate a potential readers likes' and to illustrate how important the first sentence or two of an article will be in influencing me to read it or not. (I will not use examples in this section for that very reason, the content of the sentence may distract you as the reader from my point.)

So the start of the article is important to attract the reader by giving a clear and honest idea of the article's content. I'm talking about consistent style : a beautifully crafted opening which descends into rambling will certainly not hold someone's attention. What this means is that an article designed to entertain needs drafting many more times than say a recipe! So attention to detail is paramount.

Beware the two-pint' gag! Professionally I was involved in scripting, staging and producing large scale conferences and events . I developed long-term and close relationships with people who trusted me and often we'd share a beer or two after a long pre-production meeting. On many occasions, after the second round of drinks, somebody, usually new to the team, might say, wouldn't it be funny if we ' followed by one of a variety of suggestions such as say, dressing the finance director in a clown's outfit. I would laugh politely and hope it would be forgotten. I mention the clown example as it got through : so at the next meeting I had to point out that seeing as the Finance Director had to talk about wage freezes and redundancies perhaps a clown's outfit might not seem entirely appropriate on the day! I digress slightly but my point is humour has to be funny not just after a couple of beers but in the cold light of day.

So again the moral is write, edit and read again until you are happy with the result. Then do it one more time.

Learn more about this author, Rowland Jones.
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