How can you create a sense of urgency in your writing?

Active voice makes your writing more direct and impactful, placing the subject at the forefront of the action. It eliminates ambiguity about who is doing what, making your message clearer and more compelling. For example, instead of writing "The law was passed by the Senate," say "The Senate passed the law."

Une histoire captivante ne l'est pas par pur hasard. Elle l'est parce que le rédacteur met tout en ?uvre afin de donner plus de relief et de vie à son histoire. Parmi les techniques, il y a le jeu des voix (active/passive), qui répond aux question : - Qui - Quand - Pourquoi - Comment… La voix active met un accent sur la personne, l'agent majeur au centre de l'histoire.

Use the passive voice, and your copy could be 25%-50% longer than it needs to be. There's no extra content or meaning. Just extra words. Passive sentences are confusing, ambiguous and dull. Use the active voice, if at all possible.

Active voice doesn't create a sense of urgency, pacing does. If you're writing a novel/ screenplay or short story you want to stretch out the important active scenes (such as car chases or emotional scenes). In less important scenes such as the character's everyday life go as quickly as possible. Labelling people is important as well. Passive voice is as important as active and both can create urgency.

Highlighting deadlines and the consequences of inaction adds immediate importance to your story. It tells readers that there’s a limited window for response, thereby encouraging quicker engagement. For instance, "Residents have until Friday to voice opinions on the new policy, or face months of construction delays."

Engaging your audience with thought-provoking questions or predictions can spark curiosity and a sense of urgency. It challenges readers to think ahead and consider the implications of current events. For example, "What happens if we continue to ignore climate warnings?"

Don't ask a question in the title. Make a statement. People are coming to you for a new perspective, and making the headline a question might suggest to them that they're unlikely to find information here they don't already know. Questions in articles themselves are fine, but try not to be too cliché.

Why do questions improve headlines and energise flagging copy? They grab a reader’s attention because people are naturally inquisitive. Questions draw the reader into your story, whether you answer it, or they do. But, which type of question works best? 1. A closed question demands a yes or no answer: Do you want to have a six-pack? If the answer is yes, you’ve got the reader’s attention. 2. An open question is intriguing: Do you make these basic journalism mistakes? You keep the story under wraps. And only reveal the answer in the meat of your story. 3. “What if?” questions challenge readers to imagine a brighter future. Adding “without” supercharges them: What if you could earn ￡1 million without doing a day’s work? Does that help?

Emotionally charged language and storytelling can connect with readers on a deeper level, moving them to action. Stories of personal experience or struggle are particularly effective, making abstract issues tangible. "Maria’s battle with the disease highlights the urgent need for more research funding."

Show don’t tell! Writing that taps into the reader’s emotions is the most effective. But it’s not enough to tell someone an event is sad or exciting. You need to show them through your unfolding narrative. Weigh your choice of every word. If it adds to the flow of your story, great. If not, find other ways to tell the story.

I have found that the best way to communicate urgency through writing is to use short, crisp sentences. If they begin with a verb, all the better. The thought flow must be as rapid as possible. Don't admire the scenery when a hapless mutt is swinging by a branch—over a bunch of crocs!

Concise writing is easier to digest and more likely to keep readers moving through your article. It’s about delivering impact without overwhelming your audience, making each word count. "Time is running out. Act now."

Think of paragraph breaks as visual stepping stones between dense passages of text. They're helping your reader across the page. Try to limit yourself to three or four lines of text per paragraph. And don't be afraid to mix it up, with single-line pars. Try it. It works.

Highlight the Stakes: Clearly articulate what is at risk if action is not taken. High stakes add urgency. Incorporate Real-time Data: Using current statistics or breaking news can underscore the immediacy of your message. Call to Action: End with a clear, compelling call to action. Tell readers exactly what they can do to make a difference. Visual Aids: Whenever possible, use visuals like infographics or videos to complement your writing and underscore the urgency. Engage with Your Audience: Encourage feedback and interaction through comments or social media to maintain momentum and urgency around the issue.