What’s in a Name?

A quick note on titles of your works – do not underestimate the power or importance of your title. There is no such thing as a second first impression. Your title is the first thing your reader sees and the first seed of your ideas that is planted in the readers mind. Subconsciously, your reader can already decide whether he is interested in your words or not. Don’t forget, you want to stand out and be remembered. Therefore, we advise that you take the extra time to choose the words that convey the overall message of your essay meticulously.
If you are becoming exasperated trying to come up with a title for your essay, think about writers in advertising. Imagine how many hours they slave away at coming up with the perfect combination of words that will serve their purpose most effectively. How long do you think it took great minds to come up with, “got milk?” Your essay is your product, so give your title the attention it deserves.

Tips:

• Make your title as short as possible. Two to three words is great.
• Try going for something catchy – something that will simultaneously inform and pique the reader’s interest.
• If you’re stumped, try picking out a strong sentence or idea from your conclusion. Maybe after a few manipulations it can serve as a great title.
• Don’t be afraid of alliteration or puns. If it catches the reader’s attention, you’re on the right track. Just remember that subtlety is strength, so be carefully about overdoing it.
• Make sure that your title retains meaning. Try not to make it so clever or worded in such a way that only you understand the idea behind it. Your title is a hint for the reader, not a riddle.
• If you have trouble coming up with one, jot something down at the top of the page before starting your essay. You’ll find that when you have a title it will give you, and therefore your story, direction. Once the essay is written go back and fine tune the title.
• Give yourself time to think. Keep thinking in the back of your mind about prospective titles so that you’re not forced to pick something relatively weak at the very last minute before turning in your essay.
• Would you name a child something generic just because you couldn’t think of anything better? Probably not. You would give it a second thought. Do the same for your titles.