Build Word Bridges

Good transitional wording is a key skill in a writer's tool box. Transitional words are words or phrases that connect one idea to another and smoothly guide readers through a writer's thought process. Transitional words are like signposts that tell readers where the discussion or action or story is going next. These words transition readers from scene to scene, point to point or subject to subject. They are words, phrases or sentences that repeat key ideas or key wording to inform the reader how what they just read relates to what they are about to read. They create smooth segues that create an almost imperceptible transition from one section of writing to another. If done correctly, readers are consciously unaware that a transition has been made. They just know they are reading easy, smooth writing that makes sense to them. Transitional wording becomes especially important when you are transitioning from one idea or subject to another in which the relationship between the two is not obvious. In these cases, you need to use wording that builds a bridge allowing readers to cross over to the next idea or subject without any difficulty in understanding why they are moving in that direction. The last thing you want your readers to do is get lost in your discussion or story because then you will have lost their attention. So help your readers traverse the landscape of your thoughts with effective transitional wording that keeps them engaged, informed and interested.