Written by: Vickie Sullivan | October 08, 2020
How to Stand Out: Answer These 2 Questions
Sometimes standing out doesn’t come from a great idea. It comes from answering interesting questions.
A great example: This summer article from content producer Skyword about where to put your best ideas. Skip to the middle of the piece, and check out the section where the author explores what medium works best. The big questions she answers:
• If/then questions: By linking the objective to the medium, the author uses a strategic approach but also ups the “handy” factor. It’s the “if XXX is going on, then YYY is your best bet” format, and it packs a big punch. The “if” part asks the question everyone has; the “then” part gives clear direction that everyone wants. All of that in two sentences or less.
Listen: How to Create Killer If/Then Questions
• Why questions: Because the author isn’t a celebrity, her word isn’t enough. So, she boosts her recommendations with a short explanation of why. Keep in mind, she doesn’t write a “war and peace” version. Just enough to make sense and to head off any resistance.
What makes both of these techniques powerful: brevity. The faster you can explain a complex issue, the more profound you appear. Your impact increases the fewer words you use.
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