Zen and the Art of Persuasive Writing: Impactful Introductions |
Politics
Judge David Weinzweig | 1.15.2026 8:01 AM
A great introduction is fine art, crafted with great care and purpose. A first impression matters. If the reader never reads past the first paragraph, he will never read your brilliant narrative or argument. An introduction should offer context and grab the reader's interest. Persuasive writers craft introductions to arrest the lazy eye. At a minimum, that means a killer first sentence and a roadmap.
A. The First Sentence or Paragraph
An opening line should invite the reader to begin the story. It should say: Listen. Come in here. You want to know about this. How can a writer extend an appealing invitation; one that's difficult, even, to refuse? —Stephen King
The first sentence or paragraph of your motion or missive is choice location—Manhattan skyline. It presents a singular chance to set the scene, strike the tone, persuade, connect and impress.
Clarity is essential at the start. A good beginning is clear and introduces a thread that runs through your prose.
Meditation: Do not spoil this singular chance to persuade with archaic formalism, reflexive legalese or snappy quotes from former presidents. You might think it's meaningful, but it's dead air to the reader who has no context to appreciate what you're saying.
Journalists prize the first sentence and paragraph, knowing that interest and attention wane over time. Do not waste this space by parroting the full procedural name of your motion or response, which should be available in the caption above. You know what I mean—cue the trumpets:
COMES NOW the Defendant, by and through counsel undersigned, and respectfully submits this Response in Opposition to Plaintiff Old School Unlimited, L.L.C.'s ("OSU") Motion to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim Pursuant to Rule 12(b)(6) dated February 6, 2023.
Don't bury the lede. By my count, persuasive writers have seven overlapping, non-exclusive strategies for the first sentence or paragraph. Depending on your goals, analysis and strategy, you might fashion a first sentence to:
1. Educate with context. Persuasive writers may use the first sentence or paragraphs of briefs and motions to........