Good writers demonstrate in their writings, these two characteristics — clarity of thought and clarity of expression. Some people have excellent ideas, but they do not know how to present their ideas in a coherent manner. It is because they do not use appropriate transitions in their pieces of writing. Transitions are also called ‘transition signals’ or ‘verbal guideposts’ because they act like signals, signposts or guideposts.
I have discussed the importance of transitions in some of my previous columns. I discuss the topic again in this article. Transition signals are words or phrases which help readers to see the connection between ideas. They act as bridges between two ideas and function like tour guides for the readers. Sentences in a paragraph should be properly linked and paragraphs in a piece of writing should be properly connected enabling readers to follow different ideas with ease. Here are some signposts used by them:
Moving on to the next stage (after concluding an idea)
Turning to the next issue (changing the topic completely)
Expanding on that idea (going into more detail)
Let me repeat the point (repeating something for emphasis)
Recapping what I have discussed earlier (going back to something mentioned earlier)
As capturing the attention of the audience is important for speakers while making presentations and speeches, it is equally important for writers to hook readers and make them read further. The word ‘unputdownable’ is used to describe any book that is engrossing and the reader cannot stop reading it. The English language is rich with transitions. Here are some common signals grouped according to their use:
To add ideas: in addition, besides, too, also, and, then, then too, again, next, secondly, equally, important
To compare and contrast: similarly, likewise, in comparison, in contrast, on the other hand, but, still
To show result: consequently, therefore, as a result, for this reason, for, thus
To express a sequence: soon after, meanwhile, in the meantime, later, after a while, next
To cite an example: for example, for instance, to clarify, to explain, to enumerate
To reinforce an idea: in fact, as a matter of fact, by all means
Effective presenters and writers allow their ideas to flow by using appropriate transitions so that the audience can easily understand everything spoken. Keep your speech and writing moving.
