There are exceptions to the golden rule of writing structure: 'Conclusion First'.

Since you have arrived at this article, I assume you are interested in 'writing' and 'communicating'.

So, I have a question. Have you ever seen this established theory?

'Write your conclusion first in your writing'

Readers decide whether or not to read a piece of writing within the first few lines. The logic is that they won't stick around for a structure where the conclusion is delayed.

However, is that really the right way to write what you want to convey?

That is the theme of this article.

This style of writing from the conclusion is called the 'PREP method' in the business world.

Start with the Point,
state the Reason,
give an Example,
and finally summarize with the Point again.

I call it 'Conclusion First'.

Certainly, this is effective not only for web writing but also for presentations and daily conversation. It can be called the 'golden rule' of structure in the modern age.

However, there are exceptions to everything.

To begin with, what if the reader is not interested in that 'conclusion'?

For example, suppose I analyzed the reasons for the Orix Buffaloes' poor performance.

If I wrote 'The cause lies in XX!' using 'Conclusion First', don't you think the number of people who would continue reading would be limited?

Yes, readers will not even look at stories they think are 'not interesting' or 'irrelevant to me'. There is even a proverb about 'a fire on the opposite shore'.

Also, heavy topics or stories that might evoke negative emotions tend to be avoided.

So, what should you do?

Should you scrap the topic? Or should you write it without expecting it to be read?

No, there is a way.

If you want to write about such topics and also want to reach many people...

You should craft your writing so that what you 'want to convey' becomes what the reader 'wants to hear'.

Using the previous example, what if we changed it like this?

Suppose there is a common problem in business (or even parenting). You might find the solution by considering the reasons behind the Orix Buffaloes' poor performance.

...No, I don't actually know if you'd really find it, you know?

But if you can lead the reader like that, your audience will expand, right?

In cases like this, it's better to prioritize 'Benefit First' for the reader rather than 'Conclusion First'.

If you read this article,
your worries will be resolved.
it's a story that's relevant to you.
I can answer your questions.
I will provide health and nourishment to your heart.
You'll lose out if you don't know this now.

And so on; there are various ways to create a stroke (run-up).

How to make them perceive it as 'their own business'.
How to make them think the writing is necessary for them.

There is one trick to that.

It is to properly envision the 'you' part.

What kind of reader is reading the text?

Are they interested in the topic the writer 'wants to convey' or not? If they are, to what extent? Conversely, if they aren't, what kind of audience are you trying to capture? What are the benefits those people are looking for?

Envision them as realistically as possible.

Actually, this way of thinking is also important when creating TV programs, but it's surprisingly easy to overlook...

Sometimes you get swept away by the convenience of the station or program, or by considerations for sponsors or interview subjects, and you fail to face the viewers.

And then, you end up falling right into writing a 'Conclusion First' structure.

Ah, I have a few bitter memories... Let's both be careful, haha.

This article (below) is also relevant, so please check it out if you'd like!