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© by Bonnie Budzowski, President of InCredible Messages, LP. 
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Use a One-Sentence Paragraph to Sell Your Idea

By Bonnie Budzowski
President, InCredible Messages, LP

Chances are a teacher told you a one-sentence paragraph is against grammatical rules.  Don’t worry, you aren’t in school anymore, and professional copywriters use one-sentence paragraphs routinely.

If used strategically, a one sentence paragraph can highlight your key point or help sell your idea.

The white space surrounding a single sentence works like a frame, drawing the reader’s eye to the content inside.  It creates a point of emphasis.  Be sure to use your point of emphasis strategically. 

One way is to begin with a benefit or a fact that is important to the reader.  Standing alone, the statement becomes bold and stark.  For example, here is a good stand-alone opening sentence:  Women business owners, holding one of four private businesses in our area, represent a tremendous opportunity.

Another way to use a one-sentence paragraph is to highlight a key point, as I did early in this article.  As a general rule, use longer paragraphs to give background information, and use shorter paragraphs to state key points and recommendations.

Caution:  Since a one-sentence paragraph is a point of emphasis, use the technique sparingly.  Otherwise, the reader’s eye gets confused, and the emphasis turns into visual clutter.

A one-sentence paragraph might just be the ticket to sell or highlight your idea.  Go ahead and defy your grammar teacher.  You’re a professional now!

Permission is granted to reprint this article when the following contact information is included: © 2010 by Bonnie Budzowski, President of InCredible Messages, LP. For more free articles, go to www.IncredibleMessages.com or contact Bonnie at info@IncredibleMessages.com.

Bonnie Budzowski, President of inCredible Messages, is a recognized expert—helping people to use influence and persuasion to sell their ideas and move business forward. Bonnie is a professional speaker, author and coach. She recently launched a new coaching project to help her clients "Write the Book of Their Dreams."

Clients appreciate Bonnie’s practical, humorous and high-energy approach. She holds an MA in Communication and has been called upon to work with corporations, entrepreneurs, universities, and associations.

If you’d like to sell your ideas, boost your influence, or advance your career through a book or presentation, call Bonnie at 412-828-1629, bonnie@inCredibleMessages.com or visit her website at www.inCredibleMessages.com. 

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