Establish the chronology in the introduction to ensure that the audience is engaged from the beginning. Many beginning writers choose to tell their personal narratives in chronological order. They decide to use this method because it is easy to remember events in the order they occurred.
Use the flash forward device. Alternatively, a writer may use the flash forward literary device in the introduction and use the rest of the narrative to show the reader how he or she came to that conclusion.
Take an interesting fact and use it. Others consider taking an interesting fact from the middle of the story and adding it in the introduction to draw readers in and keep them engaged.
Both experienced and less experienced writers are told to show rather than tell. Show your readers through the dialogue and action of your narrative instead of telling your readers what they should think, feel or believe.
Lay out the pieces of the puzzle. Your readers will synthesize the material for themselves. As a result, your readers may feel more satisfaction in putting the pieces of the puzzle together.
Establish the standard early on. Remember, it is helpful if you set this standard in the beginning of your narrative by painting images with your words and including specific details in the introduction.
Consider what you want your audience to take away from your narrative when writing your introduction. Do you want them to feel happy, contemplative, inspired or something else?
Choose words and select scenes wisely. Consider the feelings and thoughts you want your audience to experience when choosing your words and selecting scenes to share. This applies to both your introduction and the general narrative.
Establish the theme. The message or theme of the narrative can be established in the introduction and carried throughout the piece. By cleverly weaving theme and tone together in your introduction, you can help guide your audience towards the most important features of your narrative.