Connecting with Content

Every so often, or if you’re lucky – never – writer’s block hits and it’s difficult to come up with content. Maybe you’ve laid out whatever it is to conceptualize with the reader in mind, but finding a way to keep them engaged requires constant strategy. It comes down to incorporating ideas that gather new readers and encourage interactivity. Introduce difficult topics with easy to grasp concepts to establish basic mutual understanding (unless you're dealing with like-minded SMEs) and start by addressing various levels of readers’ interest. Build upon assumed prior knowledge unless you're able to generalize. This establishes a relationship between the SME and learner. The information feels conversational, appears easy to read, and proves to create memory. Try a spontaneous approach. Not only brainstorm, but verbalize a plan and think over concepts. Create mood boards and information maps based upon logical conclusions. Chances are, you'll have aspects of content that diverge with each step in the development process. Perhaps opinions also change and until realizing each of the concepts without question, add or remove sections or just start over. If you have to start all over again and want to keep conceptualizing the original approach, identify the level of importance by components.