1. Find one (1) headline that you came across recently and thought it was great. You are to explain why it resonated with you. Please ensure that you base your answers only topics discussed in class. Meaning, based on course content discussed in class, you are to tie specific elements that we discussed constituted a “good” headline or “elements” of a good headline and how this specific element is referenced in the headline that resonated with you. (6 Marks)
Headline:
Beware: Venus Retrograde Is Going To Be Messy
Why it resonated with me?
This is the headline I came across recently and thought it was great because it creates a strong emotional reaction. The sense of fear in the word “beware” is a warning which make the headline urgent and important. As we discussed in class, a way to grab attention and make a headline effective is to create a sense of urgency or caution. This kind of phrases makes people feel like they need to pay attention and prepare for something big. This headline makes me feel like I need to prepare for something big which also makes me want to read more. I felt the need to click and learn more about challenges Venus retrograde might bring. It plays on our emotions, and which is a key element of an effective headline.
This headline also resonated with me as it is clear, precise and easy to understand. A headline shouldn’t be complicated and confusing. Readers should be able to quickly grasp what the article is about without thinking too much. This headline is also straight to the point without giving out the context of what would be in the article. It tells me that the article is about the challenges Venus retrograde might bring. It doesn’t give away too much information which makes me curious to read further. It is not that very long, its easily scannable and process which is another aspect in an effective headline.
This headline makes Venus retrograde a big and dramatic even with its writing. Instead of “ Venus retrograde is coming” ,It uses a unique rationale and intriguing language.. It has a call for attention with the word Beware. The word in the headline “s going to be messy” makes me wonder how and why Venus retrograde will be messy. This exact word makes me think and wonder what exactly will happen and how would it impact me. Instead of the headline being straight, it has some twisted word in it. This makes the headline more engaging and adds a sense of mystery which makes me want to click.
Therefore, the headline fully cover the 4 U’s ; Uniqueness, Ultra specific, urgency and useful. The headline stands out because of the way its worded. It uses a bold and dramatic tone to make the event- venus retrograde a major event. It clearly tells us that it is about venus retrograde and it will be messy which kind of gives us a hint of what to expect form the article. The word “beware” and “is going to be messy” phrase makes it feel like something important is about to happen and it needs to read. Also, the headline has a promising factor of it being useful and a guide to handle venus retrograde.
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