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What’s the Best Varnish for Your Yacht?

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Varnishing your yacht is an essential part of its care and maintenance. The benefits are twofold: yacht varnish protects your boat from the elements, while also giving it a beautiful shiny finish. But with so many different yacht and marine varnishes to choose from, it can be difficult to know which one is best for your boat.

In this article, we’ll run through some of the most popular types of yacht varnish on the market to help you choose the right option.

What is Yacht Varnish?

Yacht varnish is an extremely durable solvent-based coating that is designed to protect the wood that yachts are made of and stop it decaying over time. Most varnishes are made up of a penetrating oil, resin and solvent. Although most yacht varnish is applied with a brush, it is possible to buy yacht varnish spray.

Different Types of Yacht Varnish Finish

There are many different types of finish to choose from, so you’ll need to know a little about them to decide which is the best yacht varnish for you.

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Yacht Varnish Brands

There are various brands that produce yacht varnish. Here are a couple of the most popular:

Screwfix Yacht Varnish

Screwfix is a retailer in the UK that sells a variety of products, including hardware and building supplies. They may carry different brands and types of yacht varnish. Yacht varnish provides resistance to water, UV rays, and other environmental elements. Yacht varnishes often contain additives to enhance their durability and performance in marine conditions.

Ronseal Yacht Varnish

A durable, long-lasting marine varnish for wood that flexes with the movement of the wood and resists peeling and cracking. This varnish is slightly more pricey than the Screwfix varnish, but gets great reviews. You can buy the Ronseal brand of yacht varnish in B&Q and other retailers.

How to Varnish Your Yacht

Varnishing a yacht is fairly straightforward, if a little time-consuming. First you’ll need to carefully sand down the entire surface that you want to varnish to get it looking smooth. Then use a soft brush to wipe off any excess dust and debris, since you don’t want it getting trapped in the varnish.

Finally, use a paintbrush to coat the yacht with varnish. Leave it to dry for the recommended amount of time on the tin, then apply additional coats as required. Always check the instructions of your varnish type, and if unsure consult with an expert before starting.

Yacht varnish is solvent-based and contains toxic chemicals, which means it should not be used for varnishing animal enclosures (for example, rabbit hutches or reptile enclosures).

• What is yacht varnish used for? Yacht varnish is used for sealing and protecting wood on boats and yachts. It is also commonly used for outdoor items such as wooden doors, window frames or pergolas.
• What type of varnish is yacht varnish? Yacht varnish is a solvent-based outdoor varnish that is extremely durable. It is usually made up of tung oil and polyurethane resin. 
• What is the best varnish to use on a boat? The type of varnish that is best for your boat will depend on the type of wood your boat is made from and the finish you are looking for. Tung oil varnish is a safe bet for most boats, or you may prefer to use a one-part polyurethane varnish for added durability.
• What is the difference between yacht varnish and outdoor varnish? In general, yacht varnish dries quicker and is designed for marine conditions, so it’s likely to be more durable than outdoor varnish. However, yacht varnish is unlikely to have an anti-slip formulation, making it unsuitable for decking around the home.

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If you wish to register a complaint, please contact the Compliance and Training Manager on  [email protected] .  If you are unsatisfied with how your complaint has been dealt with, you may be able to refer your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS).  The FOS website is  www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk

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Practical Boat Owner

• Digital edition

Best boat varnish: 7 top options for gleaming woodwork

• Drew Maglio
• October 13, 2022

Different varnishes do different jobs. Understanding their properties will help you decide what's the best boat varnish for your woodwork. Drew Maglio explains all...

Few things are as quintessential to the archetypal sailboat as gleaming, iridescent woodwork that is indicative of a recent coat with one of the best boat varnish products on the market.

Choosing a product and methodology to apply marine varnish to achieve such results is not as simple as it would seem at first glance however, and this guide aims to make the whole process easier for novice and seasoned boat-owners alike.

First things first, what exactly is boat varnish? Put simply, varnish is a chemical solution of three parts which includes a penetrating oil, resin, and solvent.

Boat varnish for exterior use, aka. “spar varnish” — aptly named because it was designed and envisioned as a flexible protective coating to protect a yacht’s wooden spar in the harsh (outdoor) marine environment — both protects and beautifies a vessel’s wood parts.

It does so by sealing the wood with a somewhat hard, yet flexible, clear protective barrier that can last up to three years of UV and element exposure in temperate climates for the most durable two-part product formulations.

These days, most high-end boat varnishes use tung oil and an alkyld or polyurethane resin. Of the two types of resin, polyurethane — either one or two part — is going to be much more durable and resistant to UV, abrasion, fuel/solvent spills, and impacts.

While a two-part product cannot be applied over a one-part product, a two-part product is going to last much longer and be far more durable. Hence for high traffic areas like cabin soles, a two-part polyurethane product cannot be beat for longevity and durability.

Boaters should be aware that the most onerous task of applying boat varnish is the surface prep, which requires removing all flaking previous coatings by sanding, washing with solvent to degrease the surface, in addition to taping nearby areas to keep the varnish off.

Because of that, I highly recommend using quality products over cheaper, lower cost options which will mean your boat needs revarnishing far more often.

International Perfection Plus two-part varnish

Best polyurethane boat varnish

International Perfection Plus is a well-known two-pot polyurethane

International Perfection Plus (sold in the US under the Interlux brnad) is arguably the best overall marine spar varnish on the market. This two-part polyurethane formulation is not only the most aesthetically spectacular, but also the most durable and longest lasting when exposed to UV.

This two-part product is applied to bare wood after careful sanding and degreasing and can be rolled/brushed or sprayed. It uses a proprietary Interlux thinner and one’s results will be excellent if one follows the recommended procedures to the “t.”

Of all the boat varnish products on this list, this two-part product is probably the least DIY-friendly.

Reasons to buy

• Most durable marine varnish in terms of hardness and flexibility • Best UV resistance • Most beautiful (glossy) varnish if applied properly • Hardness and longevity makes it a prime contender to redo cabin soles and floor boards (after proper surface prep)

Reasons to avoid

• Difficult application for inexperienced laymen • Expensive

Buy International Perfection PLUS two-part varnish on Amazon (UK)

Buy International Perfection PLUS two-part Varnish on Gael Force Marine

Buy Interlux Perfection PLUS two-part varnish on Amazon (US)

Buy Interlux Perfection PLUS two-part varnish on West Marine

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

Epifanes clear varnish.

Epifanes Clear Varnish includes tung oil and alkyd

Epifanes offers quality marine paints and varnishes at reasonable prices and their Clear High Gloss Varnish is no exception. With 64% solids content (tung oil) and an alkyd base, this varnish is sure to be brilliant in terms of gloss with reasonable durability and longevity.

With one-part alkyd products, boat owners can expect up to two years of protection before maintenance is required if left out in the elements year-round. This product can be brushed, rolled, or sprayed.

• Affordable, quality one-part product • High solids content results in very glossy finish • Relatively easy to apply and achieve satisfactory results

• Not as much UV protection as other offerings • Not as impact or abrasion-resistant as other offerings

Buy Epifanes Clear Varnish on Amazon

Buy Epifanes Clear Varnish on West Marine

International Paints are also sold in the US under the Interlux brand

International Schooner Premish Varnish

A traditional marine spar varnish — albeit a good one — is Interlux’s Schooner Varnish.

With an alkyd base, 47% of tung oil solids, and UV inhibitors to boot, this product is a well-balanced one-part product that is suitable for a variety of uses. This product can be brushed, rolled, or sprayed.

• Affordable, quality one-part product • Well-balanced product in terms of UV protection and solids content • Relatively easy to apply and achieve satisfactory results

• More expensive than Epifanes • Not as impact or abrasion-resistant as some other offerings • Not as much UV protection as some other offerings

Buy International Schooner Varnish on Amazon (UK)

Buy International Schooner Varnish on Gael Force Marine

Buy Interlux Schooner Varnish on West Marine

Total Boat Lust High Gloss Marine Varnish

Best value boat varnish

In recent years, Total Boat has become very popular offering products comparable—and sometimes superior—to the “big three” of Interlux, Petit, and Epifanes, at a fraction of the cost and their “Lust High Gloss Marine Varnish” is no exception. This one-part formulation uses linseed oil and a modified polyurethane base.

• Very affordable one-part proper “marine” varnish • Does not require sanding • Comes in matte for those seeking a satin finish • One-hour re-coat time

• Tends to cure quicker than most varnishes and therefore can cure before properly “flowing out” • Requires 6-8 coats

Buy Total Boat Lust High Gloss Marine Varnish on Amazon (US)

Buy Total Boat Lust High Gloss Marine Varnish on Walmart

Cetol Marine Wood Finish

Best boat varnish for external teak

Cetol has been making alternative wood finishes for a long time. While this product does not have the aesthetic beauty of freshly applied gleaming varnish, it lasts far longer and stands up to UV better than every one-part varnish on this list.

When I had peeling varnish on my 1987 Ericson 38-200 sailboat moored in the tropical Florida Keys, I elected to use Cetol’s “Natural Teak” offering in lieu of varnish and found it incredibly easy to apply and long-lasting, requiring no surface prep to speak up but a quick hand sand and power wash. For outside teak, Cetol cannot be beat.

• Incredibly easy to achieve satisfactory results • Affordable • Long-lasting even when exposed to UV

• Not as beautiful as real varnish • Softer and less durable to impact/abrasion compared to most varnishes, especially polyurethane formulations

Buy Cetol Marine Wood Finish on West Marine

Miniwax Helmsman Spar Urethane

The last product featured on our list is Miniwax’s one-part polyurethane spar varnish. While not the most beautiful finish available, this product is durable (hard and abrasion-resistant), easy to use, and very affordable, making it a good choice for touching up one-part varnishes inside a boat’s cabin.

For repairing, touching up, or even redoing cabin soles, this would also be a decent budget option and therefore is included on this list. Unlike the many UV-resistant offerings on this list, Miniwax Helmsman is not very UV-resistant and therefore is not recommended outdoors.

• Very affordable, even for a gallon • One-part polyurethane enhances durability and longevity over alkyd-based products • Good for sailors on a budget needing to repair and touch up existing interior varnish

• Not as beautiful as alkyd-based marine spar varnished • Not very UV-resistant • Yellows in sunlight

Buy Miniwax Helmsman Spar Urethane on Amazon (US)

Hempel Dura Gloss

Best solvent-based boat varnish

Hempel Dura Gloss Varnish is a urethane modified alkyd, ideal for interior use

Hempel’s Dura Gloss Varnish is a urethane modified alkyd, ideal for interior use

On the downside, alkyd varnishes lack resistance to abrasion and usually only one coat can be applied per day, which can make varnishing a drawn out process.

The more expensive types are formulated to speed up cure times, improve gloss retention and generally last longer.

Buy Hempel’s Dura-Gloss Varnish on Amazon

Varnish properly applied to brightwork is a joy to behold. Photo: Thornton Cohen/Alamy

Which type of boat varnish to choose?

Varnishing often appears to be a simple task, but there’s a bewildering choice of boat varnishes on the market, writes Rupert Holmes.

An understanding of the qualities of different types of varnish is needed to choose the optimum one for each purpose. This is particularly true for exterior woodwork which has to withstand the ravages of sun, rain and frost.

There are only a few basic types of varnish, although in many cases hybrid products are available, particularly alkyd/ tung oil and alkyd/modified urethanes that can offer a wider range of desirable properties.

Polyurethane boat varnish

Polyurethane varnishes are a harder option with good wear resistance, but they lack the flexibility of alkyds. In addition, they tend to sit more on the surface of the timber, so often do not adhere as well to the substrate, which can make them prone to flaking and chipping.

The lack of flexibility makes a pure polyurethane unsuitable for traditionally planked boats, but it can be ideal for plywood , as well as for cold moulded and strip planked hulls.

Polyurethanes are available as both one-pot and two-pot products, the latter giving a harder coating and faster cure, which allows multiple coats to be applied in one day.

Article continues below…

Boat wood: a complete guide for yacht owners

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If you need to save the varnish overnight, take a look at this top tip on preserving two-part varnish in the fridge. However, they are a much more expensive option.

N.B. One-pot polyurethane can be applied over two-pot varnish but not the other way round.

Ultra-flexible single-pot polyurethanes, such as Coelan have an elasticity of more than 300%. It can also seal cracks, is highly resistant to impact damage and doesn’t need overcoating for several years and can last twice as long as traditional varnishes.

The biggest downside is that it’s four or five times more expensive than typical basic alkyd varnishes, so up-front costs are higher, although its long term performance means the total cost difference will be smaller.

Many boat varnish products can be painted, sprayed or rolled

Tung oil varnish

Tung oil is also frequently used in traditional varnishes: it soaks in well and, although a pure tung oil product will usually cure very slowly, the final finish is very tough.

Solvent-based varnish

Traditional solvent-based one-pot alkyd varnishes are ideal for use with traditionally built wooden boats. The coating is soft but flexible, which makes it resistant to cracking when used on timber that expands when wet and contracts in dry summer weather. Additionally, the initial coats tend to soak into the timber effectively.

Epoxy resin

Epoxy resin can also be used to coat timber, but generally has poor resistance to ultra-violet light, so a varnish needs to be applied over the top. Beware inexpensive ‘yacht’ varnish sold in DIY stores – the low prices are usually easy to explain in terms of extended drying times or poor long-term performance when used outside.

Dealing with surface damage? Don’t delay!

Whatever type of varnish is used, don’t delay on sealing any areas of damage. The key priority is to keep water out, so don’t wait until you have time and suitable weather for a full repair – touch in the damaged area immediately.

This may not have a silky smooth finish initially, but don’t worry. Even if it’s a few weeks before you’re able to do a proper fix you know there won’t be any further degradation.

Top boat varnish tip

A useful tip is to clean out one of the small match pots DIY stores sell to enable customers to test household colour schemes and fill it with varnish. They have a brush built into the lid, which never needs to be cleaned, thus making a quick touch up of damage a task that only takes a couple of minutes.

Find out how to get the best finish with these 8 top tips for varnishing .

Didn’t find what you’re looking for? Head to Amazon’s dedicated boating page for more marine products.

• Sadolin Woodstain Review (Classic and Extra)

Updated Aug 1, 2024 | Posted Oct 5, 2021 | Paints | 5 comments

My Sadolin Woodstain Review

 classic and extra on external timber, review summary, sadolin woodstain review (classic and extra) - decorator's forum uk, sadolin quick dry wood stain review, best brush to apply sadolin woodstain, final thoughts.

Sadolin Woodstain comes as two separate products. The Sadolin Classic can be used on its own indoors. However, when working externally on new or bare timber, you should use Sadolin Classic as your first coat(s) to build up your desired colour, followed by a coat of Sadolin Extra to give your finish the UV protection needed for longevity.

Sadolin products are manufactured by Crown at their factory in Darwin. It is a popular trade brand, so you can purchase it from Crown Decorating Centre, online by clicking here , or several other stockists.

Sadolin Woodstain is available in various different colours. The Classic and the Extra are both oil-based products, however they also do a “quick-dry” wood stain which is water-based. I’ll pop a little section about Sadolin QD at the bottom of this blog.

OK, I’m almost 200 words into the review and I haven’t given my opinion on anything yet. Sadolin produce one of the nicest woodstains on the market!! Opacity is lacking a little bit, so if you’re recoating aged timber that has had a few knocks, it may be advantageous to dye any spots of bare timber with something like Colron prior to staining (Available at B&Q).

Other than opacity, everything else about Sadolin is fantastic. Even when you use the classic on its own, you are always left with a very rich and durable finish. Brush marks just seem to melt away, which is a Godsend on large flat surfaces such as doors. The finish is a lot nicer with Sadolin than you can achieve with other stain.

There is a reason Sadolin tell you to use two separate products as part of a system on external timber, even though most other brands have a “one product does all” approach. Having one product to do everything means you need to compromise on something. You’re essentially asking that one product to build colour, have enough body to cover, be thin enough to level out, cope with UV, be flexible and even waterproof.

Sadolin does not compromise. The Sadolin Classic is there to have body, build colour and form a solid base. The Sadolin Extra adds depth, levels off beautifully and contains the UV protection. Both together will give you the best finish you’re ever likely to achieve using woodstain.

Another advantage of using Sadolin is the longevity of product and the protection it offers. As a decorator , I’ve been working in the same area for approximately 20 years, so I get to see how well each product lasts over time. I can tell you now, from my own experience that the two brands which last the longest are Sadolin and Sikkens. Nothing else seems to come close!! Nothing I’ve tried anyway.

There is one disadvantage of Sadolin Extra and that’s the drying time. You should only use this product outside and in good weather, otherwise it may still be tacky 24 hours after using it. This is an inconvenience when coating doors and windows as you won’t be able to close them until the stain is dry. It also means there’s more chance of being caught out by an unexpected shower and ruining your work!!

Interior and exterior woodstain products used to coat timber.

Product Brand: Sadolin

• Easy to use.
• Great depth.
• Gorgeous finish.
• No brush marks.
• The finish will last for years.
• Slow drying, so only use on warm days.

Water-based has a few advantages and disadvantages over oil, especially when it comes to stain, but that’s a completely different blog. Let’s review Sadolin quick dry wood stain. Adhesion is great on bare timber, or timber previously coated with water-based stain (I tend to avoid using water-based unless I know for certain the timber has never been stained with oil in the past).

Opacity is good and it is easy to hide brush marks. The finish and longevity are good for water-based, but not at the same level as oil. Ease of use is amazing!! This product just flies on, regardless of whether you are an amateur or professional.

Available in many different colours by clicking here.

There is one brush that stands out as the best for applying any oil-based stain, oil, or varnish. That brush is the Kana Tank . The brush itself has a natural fibre core made from hog hair, wrapped in synthetic outer bristles. This is designed specifically to hold onto thin materials like Sadolin Wood Stain.

The Kana Tank holds onto loads of material, allows you to work it onto the timber and manipulate it into all the corners. Nothing else comes close. Available online by clicking here.

Sadolin is a good quality trade brand which is underused by decorators. Their stains and varnishes are up there as the best on the UK market. They just seem to level of perfectly and leave you with a gorgeous finish that seems to last for years. Click here for more information or to see latest prices.

Updated Aug 1, 2024 | Posted Oct 5, 2021 | 5 comments

About the Author

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Can I use a fine roller to apply Sadolin over a large area

I need to buy Sadin classic varnish , newest supplier to Wa3 4lg

Just spotted this. I made two fair sized Church gates made from 10yr old air dried oak. As instructed by the Church a wax oil finish was applied. What a cock up. All sanded off now. Just wondering if your reviewed products would be suitable? When you apply the Classic do you denib before applying the Extra? What grit? Do you wipe on wipe off to minimise thickness issue? How many coats? You refer to drying time issues. Given this time of the year I would have to coat indoors any idea how long before I could fit them in situ given temperature has dropped and raining most days? Sorry for the waft of questions. Cheers Steve

Been using Sadolin Extra for 30 years, great product, easy to prep & easy to use, great coverage & durability, would highly recommend.

I have been using sadolin for 40 odd years, noticed lately that the classic is now shiny as opposed to Matt, wax advised this was not the case but 3 tons later and they are all the same, I wanted a Matt finish to renew my home

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Sadolin Woodcare

Woodstains, paints and varnishes.

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Multi Surface paint for exterior wood, concrete, metal, plastic and more

No primer gloss finish for wood

For exterior wood, timber and decking

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Finish in one day in any colour

Retains and protects natural wood colouring

Fill and prepare timber for painting

Fill wood in preparation for staining

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Painted area:

Volume: 0.2 Litres

Coverage per litre: 15M²

Number of tins needed: 1

Sadolin Outdoor Varnish

• For windows, doors and conservatories
• Maintain and enhance the natural colour of wood
• Durable, resists peeling and flaking
• Added UV protection

The colours shown on this website may not match exactly with the end result. The availability of colours shown vary depending upon product size. Sadolin cannot be held responsible for any variations between product and swatches shown.

Description

Sadolin Outdoor Varnish is a premium clear varnish used to build a durable barrier of protection against weathering. With a contemporary satin or matt finish, Sadolin Outdoor Varnish has been formulated with a completely clear formulation – ideal to enhance the natural beauty and colour of wood. Developed by our wood care experts with protective UV additives, our premium formulation protects against damaging UV light, providing long lasting protection that resists peeling and flaking.

Additional Information

Painted area: 7.50 sq. Meters

No of Coats:

Drying time:.

• Touch Dry: 4 - 6 hours
• Re-coat: 16-24 hours

Pack sizes available:

Application:.

Apply by brush

How to guides

This Is Sadolin – Episode 1 – Preparation Is Everything

This Is Sadolin – Episode 2 – ‘Classic And Extra – Joined Up For Joinery’

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sentence openers for a biography

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How to Write the First Paragraph of a Biography

The writing process of a biography begins after you have researched your subject and compiled the information you will share with readers. An engaging first paragraph not only introduces readers to your subject but also provides a glimpse into the biography as a whole. Be concise, accurate and interesting in your introduction in order to capture your reader's attention.

Introduce your subject, including her name and any pseudonyms.

Add the subject's dates of birth and death (if applicable).

Include context, which tells the location where your subject was born, her nationality and ethnicity.

Explain briefly why your subject is important or notable. Give a one- or two-sentence summary of what she accomplished.

Tie in the subject's accomplishments to your reader's experience. Let the reader know why your subject is or was significant to others.

• A typical paragraph runs from three to eight sentences. Write enough to introduce your subject. Expand on each piece of information that you include as you continue to write the biography.
• While a biography is a work of nonfiction, that does not mean that it cannot be entertaining. Your tone can take the reader on a journey of a life that was marked by humor, despair, triumphs or struggles. Be creative in your descriptions and your biography will read like an engaging, true story.

Things You'll Need

• Encyclopedia.com: Biography
• Scholastic Teachers: Write a Biography

Lalaena Gonzalez-Figueroa has worked as a freelance writer since 1997. She has contributed to a number of print and online publications including BabyZone.com, "The Tallahassee Democrat," "Broker Agent Magazine" and "MD News" magazine." She also writes creative fiction for adults and children. Gonzalez-Figueroa graduated in 1998 from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Arts in creative writing.

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Biography Sentence Starters

Updated:  27 Jan 2022

Give students a jumpstart on writing about people with 24 sentence starters.

Non-Editable:  PDF

Pages:  5 Pages

Grades:  2 - 6

• Adobe Reader (pdf) Sign up to Plus

Strengthen Your Students’ Biography Writing Skills 

Do you constantly hear, “But I don’t know what to write!”? 

That makes this activity the perfect opportunity for your students to become self-sufficient writers. 

With these writing prompts, students will get a helpful little boost to help them describe their biography subject . Students will simply choose a prompt and use their research to complete the first sentence… 

And, ideally, the next one.

And the next one! 

Some examples of included writing prompts are:

At a young age…

His/Her lasting legacy is that…

One of the interesting things about…

By completing this activity, students demonstrate an ability to write informative text that introduces facts from their research.  

NEXT: Meaningful Black History Month Activities for Kids

Scaffolding + Extension Tips 

In addition to independent student work time, use these prompts as an in-class or homework assignment to support lessons in:

• Informative writing
• Biography writing
• Black History Month
• Women’s History Month
• Personal & family history
• American history

Students who need extra support can work on this activity in a 1:1 teacher intervention setting or your guided writing group . 

Easily Prepare This Resource 

Click on the Download button to access your full-color PDF. We have also included blank prompt cards to add your own prompts in Adobe Reader.   

You can also turn this teaching resource into a sustainable activity! Print a few copies on cardstock and slip them into dry-erase sleeves. Students can record their answers with a dry-erase marker, then erase and reuse. 

Additionally, project the worksheet onto a screen and work through it as a class by having students record their answers in their notebooks.

How to Convert PDFs to Google Slides (For Google Classroom and More) »

Be sure to check out these handy biography writing activities and lesson-planning tools:

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A poster to remind your students to add detail and description to their writing to bring their characters to life.

Vocabulary Dice Roll Activity

6 vocabulary activities to use with a range of words.

Verb Past Tense Worksheet

A worksheet with simple and irregular past tense verbs added to complete the sentences.

'I Can' Statements - Reading (Upper Elementary)

A set of 26 'I can' statement cards focusing on reading for upper elementary.

Table of Contents

How to Write a Great Opening Sentence

Examples of great first sentences (and how they did it), how to write a strong opening sentence & engage readers (with examples).

“I’ve never met you, but I’m gonna read your mind.”

That’s the opening line to The Scribe Method . It does what great opening sentences should: it immediately captures the reader’s attention. It makes them want to read more.

The purpose of a good opening line is to engage the reader and get them to start reading the book. That’s it.

It’s a fairly simple idea, and it works very well—but there are still a lot of misconceptions about book openings .

Many first-time Authors think they have to shock the reader to make them take note.

That’s not true. There are many ways to hook a reader that don’t require shocking them.

I also see Authors who think the purpose of the first paragraph is to explain what they’ll talk about in the book .

Not only is that wrong, it’s boring.

Readers can sense bullshit a mile away, so don’t try to beat them over the head with shock. Don’t give them a tedious summary. Don’t tell your life story. Don’t go into too much detail.

Use your first sentence to connect to the reader and make them want to keep reading.

This guide will help you write a great opening line so you can establish that authenticity and connection quickly.

Everyone knows some of the great opening lines from fiction novels:

• “Call me Ishmael.” – Herman Melville, Moby Dick​​​​
• “Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” – Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina
• “Many years later, as he faced the firing squad, Colonel Aureliano Buendía was to remember that distant afternoon when his father took him to discover ice.” – Gabriel García Márquez, One Hundred Years of Solitude
• “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way—in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only.” – Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities

The common thread between these opening lines is that they create a vivid first impression. They make the reader want to know more.

They’re punchy, intriguing, and unexpected.

The first words of a nonfiction book work the same way. You want to create an emotional connection with the reader so they can’t put the book down.

In some ways, nonfiction Authors even have an advantage. They’re writing about themselves and their knowledge while having a conversation with the reader.

They can establish the connection even more immediately because they don’t have to set a fictional scene. They can jump right in and use the first person “I.”

Let’s go back to The Scribe Method ‘s opening paragraph:

I’ve never met you, but I’m gonna read your mind. Not literally, of course. I’m going to make an educated guess about why you want to write a book.

When you read that, at a minimum, you’re going to think, “All right, dude, let’s see if you really know why I want to write a book .” And you’re going to keep reading.

At best, you’re going to think, “Wow. He’s inside my head right now.” And you’re going to keep reading.

In both cases, I’ve managed to create an emotional connection with the reader. Even if that emotion is skepticism, it’s enough to hook someone.

So where do you start when you’re writing your book ? How do you form that connection?

The best hooks usually start in the middle of the highest intensity.

In other words, lead with the most emotional part of the story.

If you’re starting your book with a story about how you got chased by the police, don’t begin with what you had for breakfast that day. Start with the chase.

A good hook might also be a question or a claim—anything that will elicit an emotional response from a reader.

Think about it this way: a good opening sentence is the thing you don’t think you can say, but you still want to say.

Like, “This book will change your life.”

Or, “I’ve come up with the most brilliant way anyone’s ever found for handling this problem.”

Your opening sentence isn’t the time for modesty (as long as you can back it up!).

You want to publish a book for a reason . Now’s your chance to show a reader why they should want to read it.

That doesn’t mean you have to be cocky. You just have to be honest and engaging.

When you’re trying to come up with a great opening line, ask yourself these 3 things:

• What will the audience care about, be interested in, or be surprised by?
• What is the most interesting story or inflammatory statement in your book?
• What do you have to say that breaks the rules?

The best opening lines are gut punches.

They summarize the book, at least in an oblique way. But they’re not dry facts. They’re genuine, behind-the-scenes glimpses into a human life. They establish who you are and what you’re about, right from the beginning.

Human beings respond to genuine connection. That means being vulnerable. You have to break down any barriers that you might usually keep around you.

That’s one of the hardest things to do as an Author, but it makes for a great book.

Reading about perfection is boring, especially because we all know there’s no such thing.

In the next section, I’ll go through examples of great first sentences and explain why they work.

Every one of these strategies helps create an instant, authentic connection with readers. You just have to pick the one that makes the most sense for your book.

1. Revealing Personal Information

When most people think about comedian Tiffany Haddish, they think of a glamorous celebrity.

They don’t think about a kid who had trouble in school because she had an unstable home life, reeked of onions, and struggled with bullying.

From the first line of her book, Tiffany reveals that you’re going to learn things about her that you don’t know—personal things.

I mean, really personal.

The book’s opening story concludes with her trying to cut a wart off her face because she was teased so much about it (that’s where the “unicorn” nickname came from).

That level of personal connection immediately invites the reader in. It promises that the Author is going to be honest and vulnerable, no holds barred.

This isn’t going to be some picture-perfect memoir. It’s going to be real, and it’s going to teach you something.

And that’s what forms a connection.

2. Mirroring the Reader’s Pain

Geoffrey and I chose this opening sentence because it let readers know right away that we know their pain.

Not only that, we knew how to fix it .

If a reader picked up the book and didn’t connect to that opening line, they probably weren’t our target audience.

But if someone picked it up and said, “This is exactly what I want to know!” we already had them hooked.

They would trust us immediately because we proved in the first sentence that we understood them.

In this sentence, Geoffrey and I are positioned as the experts. People are coming to us for help.

But you can also mirror your reader’s pain more directly. Check out this example from Jennifer Luzzato’s book, Inheriting Chaos with Compassion :

That’s a gut punch for anyone. But it’s an even bigger one for Jennifer’s target audience: people who unexpectedly lose a loved one and are left dealing with financial chaos.

Jennifer isn’t just giving the reader advice.

She’s showing that she’s been through the pain. She understands it. And she’s the right person to help the reader solve it.

3. Asking the Reader a Question

Readers come to nonfiction books because they want help solving a problem.

If you picked up a book about team-building, culture, and leadership, you likely want answers to some questions.

Daniel Coyle’s book shows the reader, right off the bat, that he’s going to give you answers.

His question also isn’t a boring, how-do-organizations-work type of question.

It’s compelling enough to make you keep reading, at least for a few more sentences. And then ideally, a few sentences, pages, and chapters after that.

Starting with a question is often a variation on tactic number 2.

If the reader picked up your book hoping to solve a certain problem or learn how to do something, asking them that compelling question can immediately show them that you understand their pain.

It can set the stage for the whole book.

You can also pique the reader’s interest by asking them a question they’ve never thought about.

Nicholas Kusmich ‘s book Give starts with the question,

It’s a unique question that hooks a reader.

But the answer still cuts straight to the heart of his book: “Both entrepreneurs and superheroes want to use their skills to serve people and make the world a better place.”

The unexpected framing gives readers a fresh perspective on a topic they’ve probably already thought a lot about.

4. Shock the Reader

I said in the intro to this post that you don’t have to shock the reader to get their attention.

I never said you couldn’t .

If you’re going to do it, though, you have to do it well.

This is the best opening to a book I’ve ever read. I’m actually a dog person, so this shocked the hell out of me. It was gripping.

As you read, the sentence starts making more sense, but it stays just as shocking. And you can’t help but finish the page and the chapter to understand why. But my God, what a way to hook a reader (in case you are wondering, the dogs were licking up blood from dead bodies and giving away the soldiers’ positions to insurgents. They had to kill the dogs or risk being discovered).

I read this opening sentence as part of an excerpt from the book on Business Insider .

I plowed through the excerpt, bought the book on Kindle, canceled two meetings, and read the whole book.

5. Intrigue the Reader

If you don’t read that and immediately want to know what the realization was, you’re a force to be reckoned with.

People love reading about drama, screw-ups, and revelations. By leading with one, Will immediately intrigues his readers.

They’ll want to keep reading so they can solve the mystery. What was the big deal?

I’m not going to tell you and spoil the fun. You’ll have to check out Will’s book to find out.

There are other ways to be intriguing, too. For example, see the opening line to Lorenzo Gomez’ Cilantro Diaries :

Again, the Author is setting up a mystery.

He wants the reader to rack his brain and say, “Well, if it’s not the famous stuff, what is it?”

And then, when Lorenzo gets to the unexpected answer—the H-E-B grocery store—they’re even more intrigued.

Why would a grocery store make someone’s top-ten list, much less be the thing they’d miss most?

That kind of unexpected storytelling is perfect for keeping readers engaged.

The more intrigue you can create, the more they’ll keep turning the pages.

6. Lead with a Bold Claim

There are thousands of books about marketing. So, how does an Author cut through the noise?

If you’re David Allison, you cut right to the chase and lead with a bold claim.

You tell people you’re going to change the world. And then you tell them you have the data to back it up.

If your reader is sympathetic, they’re going to jump on board. If they’re skeptical, they’re still going to want to see if David’s claim holds up.

Here’s the thing, though: only start bold if you can back it up.

Don’t tell someone you’re going to transform their whole life and only offer a minor life hack. They’ll feel cheated.

But if you’re really changing the way that people think about something, do something, or feel about something, then lead with it.

Start big. And then prove it.

7. Be Empathetic and Honest

One Last Talk is one of the best books we’ve ever done at Scribe. And it shows right from the first sentence.

Philip starts with a bold claim: “If you let it, this book will change your life.”

But then he gives a caveat: it’s not going to be fun.

That’s the moment when he forms an immediate connection with the reader.

Many Authors will tell their readers, “This book will change your life. It’s going to be incredible! Just follow these steps and be on your way!”

Not many Authors will lead with, “It’s going to be worth it, but it’s going to be miserable.”

By being this upfront about the emotional work the book involves, Philip immediately proves to his readers that he’s honest and empathetic.

He understands what they’re going to go through. And he can see them through it, even if it sucks.

One piece of advice we give at Scribe is to talk to your reader like you’re talking to a friend.

Philip does that. And it shows the reader they’re dealing with someone authentic.

8. Invite the Reader In

Joey starts the book by speaking directly to the reader.

He immediately creates a connection and invites the reader in. This makes the book feel more like a conversation between two people than something written by a nameless, faceless Author.

The reason this tactic works so well is because Joey’s whole book is about never losing a customer.

He immediately puts the book’s principles into action.

From the first sentence, Joey’s demonstrating exactly what the reader is there to learn.

The Scribe Crew

Read this next.

Never Stop Launching [How to Make Your Book Successful]

Authors Receive Authority – What does ‘The Medium Is the Message’ Really Mean?

Audiobooks: Who Benefits Most and Why Authors Should Consider Them

Sentence Openers: Lessons & Worksheets

Definition of a sentence opener.

A Sentence Opener begins to paint a picture in the reader's mind and grabs their attention by drawing them into the composition. When a writer uses a verb, plural noun, collective noun or a preposition to start their sentence they are using sentence openers.

The writing activities, games, examples, lists, charts of openers and worksheets will develop your child's writing skills and strategies. The writing skills that your child learns at Helping With Writing will transfer over to all of their writing of introductions, essays, references, thesis', resumes, research papers and any other compositions that they tackle.

Definitions, Examples and Seven Lessons are presented here in each of the four sections.

Here are the four sections of Sentence Opener Lessons;

• Collective Nouns
• Noun Openers
• Preposition Openers
• Verb Openers

Guidance on Helping Your Children

A good routine to establish with your children is as follows:

• Find a quiet table or a desk for your children to work at (no TV or games) and provide your children with materials like pens, pencils, erasers, dictionary, thesaurus, and paper.
• Watch the Mini-Movie and read the lesson.
• Print off a worksheet and discuss the instructions together.
• Once they have finished the worksheet, tell your children to check over their work. Get them to proof read, always. Re-read every question as if they were doing the worksheet for the first time. This is an excellent habit to get into as they will develop proof reading skills that will transfer over to all their writing pieces. Most mistakes are found by the author.
• "Let's check this over."
• If there are any mistakes, fix them. Make corrections accordingly as you do want your children to be learning the wrong skills.
• "Look at your answer here. How can you change it to better answer the question?" (Guide your children down the garden path).
• "I would change this answer to this ." By you giving them some other choices, they will learn that there are other answers.
• Start Keeping a Notebook - Throughout the website there are suggestions and teaching instructions on when your child may want to write in their notebook to help improve their literacy and English Grammar.
• Celebrate their successes. "Well done!"

How to Write a Professional Bio That Opens Doors (Not Closes Them)

• Itamar Haim

Does this sound familiar? You’re not alone. Many talented professionals struggle to articulate their unique value proposition in a way that captures attention and leaves a lasting impression. They settle for generic, forgettable bios that blend in with the crowd, missing out on opportunities for career growth, networking, and recognition.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. This comprehensive guide will empower you to craft a professional bio that not only accurately reflects your skills and experience but also tells your story , highlights your strengths , and sets you apart from the competition . 

By the time you’re finished, you’ll have all the tools you need to write a bio that opens doors rather than closes them.

Understanding the Power of a Professional Bio

Your professional bio is more than just a list of your accomplishments. It’s a dynamic snapshot of who you are as a professional, a glimpse into your passions, skills, and experiences. It’s your digital handshake , your elevator pitch , and your personal brand ambassador .

In today’s fast-paced digital world, where attention spans are fleeting, your bio needs to make an impact quickly . It’s often the first point of contact between you and potential employers, clients, collaborators, or even future friends. A well-crafted bio can spark interest, pique curiosity, and open doors to opportunities you might never have imagined.

Think of it this way: your bio is your personal marketing tool . It’s your chance to showcase your unique value proposition, differentiate yourself from the competition, and leave a lasting impression. A compelling bio can lead to job interviews, speaking engagements, networking opportunities, and even new business ventures.

Building Credibility and Trust

A professional bio is essential for establishing your credibility and authority . It provides a platform to showcase your expertise, highlight your accomplishments, and demonstrate your value to potential employers or clients. A well-written bio can instill confidence in your abilities and make you a more attractive candidate for opportunities.

Making a Memorable First Impression

Whether it’s on your LinkedIn profile, company website, or personal portfolio, your bio is often the first impression people have of you. It’s your chance to introduce yourself, share your story, and make a connection. A memorable bio can leave a lasting impression and pave the way for future interactions.

Enhancing Your Online Presence

In today’s digital age, your online presence is your digital resume . Your bio is a crucial component of that presence. It can help you get found online, attract the right opportunities, and build a strong personal brand . A well-optimized bio can even improve your search engine rankings, making it easier for people to discover your work.

Fostering Connections and Opportunities

Your bio can also serve as a networking tool . By sharing your interests, passions, and goals, you can connect with like-minded individuals, build relationships, and open doors to new opportunities. A relatable bio can spark conversations, lead to collaborations, and even help you find mentors or sponsors.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the specific elements that make a bio truly effective, provide templates and examples for various platforms, and share insider tips on how to make your bio shine.

The Anatomy of a Compelling Bio

Now that we’ve established the importance of a professional bio let’s break down the key elements that make it truly compelling. Think of your bio as a mini-story, a concise narrative that captures your essence and leaves a lasting impression.

The Essentials:

• Name and Title: This is the most basic element, yet it’s crucial for establishing your professional identity. Include your full name and your current title (e.g., Marketing Manager, Software Engineer, Freelance Writer).
• Professional Summary: This is your headline , the one-liner that summarizes your core expertise and experience. In a few concise sentences, highlight your most relevant skills, accomplishments, and passions. Use keywords that resonate with your target audience and showcase your unique value proposition.
• Example for a Marketing Manager: “Results-driven marketing manager with 10+ years of experience in digital marketing, specializing in SEO, content strategy, and social media marketing. Proven track record of increasing website traffic, generating leads, and boosting brand awareness.”
• Career Highlights: This section is where you shine the spotlight on your achievements . Briefly mention your most noteworthy accomplishments, awards, publications, or projects. Quantify your results whenever possible to demonstrate your impact.
• Example: “Led a successful rebranding campaign that increased website traffic by 40% and boosted sales by 20% within six months.”
• Education and Certifications (Optional): If your educational background or certifications are relevant to your profession or the specific opportunity you’re targeting, include them here. Focus on the most recent and impressive qualifications.
• Example: “MBA from Harvard Business School, Certified Google Analytics Professional.”
• Personal Touch: Injecting a bit of your personality into your bio can make it more relatable and memorable. If it aligns with your brand and target audience, consider mentioning relevant hobbies, interests, or volunteer work.
• Example for a Software Engineer: “Passionate about open-source software and contributing to community projects.
• Call to Action: Don’t leave your readers hanging! End your bio with a clear call to action that encourages them to take the next step. This could be visiting your website, connecting on LinkedIn, downloading your portfolio, or getting in touch.
• Example: “Let’s connect on LinkedIn to discuss how I can help your company achieve its marketing goals.”
• Tone: Your bio should strike a balance between professionalism and approachability. Avoid overly formal language or stiff corporate jargon. Instead, aim for a conversational tone that reflects your personality while maintaining a sense of professionalism.
• Voice: Use an active voice with strong verbs to convey your energy and enthusiasm. Showcase your unique voice and writing style to make your bio more engaging and memorable.
• Length: The ideal length of your bio will depend on the platform and purpose. For example, a LinkedIn summary can be up to 2,000 characters, while a Twitter bio is limited to 160 characters. We’ll discuss platform-specific lengths in more detail later.
• Grammar and Punctuation: This should go without saying, but always proofread your bio carefully for any grammatical errors or typos. A polished, error-free bio reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
• First-person vs. Third-person: The choice between first-person (“I,” “me”) and third-person (“he,” “she,” “[your name]”) depends on the context and your personal preference. First-person is generally more personal and engaging, while third-person can feel more formal or objective.
• Paragraphs vs. Bullet Points: Again, the choice depends on the platform and length of your bio. Paragraphs are better suited for longer bios or platforms where you have more space to elaborate, while bullet points are ideal for shorter bios or when you want to highlight specific achievements or skills.

Crafting Your Bio for Different Platforms

The content and style of your professional bio will vary depending on where it’s being showcased. Let’s explore some of the most common platforms and how to tailor your bio for each one:

LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional networking platform, making it crucial for career development , job hunting, and establishing an online presence. Your LinkedIn bio serves as your virtual resume and a way to connect with potential employers, colleagues, and clients.

Key Considerations:

• Showcasing Expertise: Highlight your most relevant skills, experience, and accomplishments. Use industry-specific keywords to attract the right opportunities.
• Keywords and Phrases: Optimize your bio with keywords relevant to your industry and target roles. This will help recruiters and hiring managers find you when they search for candidates with your specific skill set.
• Connecting with Your Network: Mention your interests, passions, or volunteer work to make your bio more relatable and spark conversations with others in your network.
• Elementor Tip: To truly stand out on LinkedIn, consider creating a custom landing page using Elementor’s Website Builder . You can link to this page in your profile, providing a more comprehensive overview of your skills, experience, and portfolio. This can be especially helpful if you have a diverse range of skills or projects to showcase.

Example of a LinkedIn Bio:

Experienced Marketing Manager | Digital Marketing Strategist | SEO & Content Specialist

Results-oriented marketing professional with a proven track record of driving growth and increasing brand awareness. Expertise in developing and executing integrated marketing campaigns across various channels, including SEO, content marketing, social media, and email marketing. Passionate about data-driven decision-making and leveraging emerging technologies to achieve measurable results.

Key Accomplishments:

• It led a successful rebranding campaign that increased website traffic by 40% and boosted sales by 20% within six months.
• It developed and implemented a comprehensive content marketing strategy that generated over 10,000 leads in one year.
• I managed a team of 5 marketing professionals, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.

Open to new opportunities in the marketing and tech industries.

Let’s connect!

Company Website:

Your company website bio serves a different purpose than your LinkedIn profile. Here, the focus is on aligning your bio with the company’s brand and values, highlighting your role and contributions, and building trust with potential clients or partners.

• Company Alignment: Ensure your bio reflects the overall tone and voice of your company’s website. Use language and keywords that resonate with your company’s target audience and demonstrate how your skills and experience contribute to the company’s mission.
• Role and Contributions: Clearly state your position within the company and briefly describe your responsibilities and contributions. Highlight any specific projects or initiatives you’ve led or participated in.
• Building Trust: Use your bio to establish your credibility and expertise. Mention any relevant certifications, awards, or accomplishments that demonstrate your value to potential clients or partners.
• Elementor Tip: Elementor’s intuitive drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to design a visually appealing “Team” page on your website. You can use Elementor’s pre-designed templates or create your custom layout to showcase your team members’ bios professionally and engagingly.

Example of a Company Website Bio:

Senior Marketing Manager

As Senior Marketing Manager at XYZ Company, Jane leads the development and execution of integrated marketing campaigns across various channels, including SEO, content marketing , social media, and email marketing. With over 10 years of experience in the digital marketing industry, Jane is passionate about data-driven decision-making and leveraging emerging technologies to achieve measurable results. She holds an MBA from Stanford University and is a Certified Google Analytics Professional.

In her previous role at ABC Company, Jane led a successful rebranding campaign that increased website traffic by 40% and boosted sales by 20% within six months. She is excited to bring her expertise and passion to XYZ Company and help drive the company’s continued growth and success.

Your resume or CV (curriculum vitae) is a formal document that provides a comprehensive overview of your professional experience, skills, and education. Your bio within your resume serves as a concise summary of your career trajectory, tailored to specific job applications.

• Concise Summary: Keep your resume bio brief and focused. It should be a snapshot of your career, not a lengthy narrative. Aim for 2-3 sentences that highlight your most relevant skills and experience.
• Tailored to the Job: Customize your bio for each job application, emphasizing the skills and experience that align with the role’s specific requirements.
• Quantifiable Achievements: Use numbers and metrics to demonstrate your impact in previous roles. This can help quantify your accomplishments and make them more impactful to potential employers.
• Elementor Tip: If you want to create a visually appealing resume that stands out from the crowd, consider using Elementor’s templates and design tools. You can easily customize the layout, fonts, and colors to match your personal brand and create a professional impression.

Example of a Resume Bio:

Results-driven marketing manager with 10+ years of experience in digital marketing, specializing in SEO, content strategy, and social media marketing. Proven track record of increasing website traffic, generating leads, and boosting brand awareness. I led a successful rebranding campaign that increased website traffic by 40% and boosted sales by 20% within six months. I was seeking a challenging role in a dynamic and innovative company where I could leverage my expertise to drive growth and achieve measurable results.

Social Media (Twitter, Instagram, etc.)

Social media bios are all about brevity and impact . With limited character counts, you need to capture attention quickly and convey your personality or brand in just a few words.

• Brevity: Due to character limitations, prioritize the most essential information.
• Attention-grabbing: Use a catchy phrase, humor, or a unique descriptor to stand out.
• Personality/Brand Voice: Let your personality shine through with your word choices and tone.
• Emojis (Optional): Use sparingly and strategically to add personality or visual interest.
• Hashtags (Optional): Include relevant hashtags to increase discoverability.

Examples of Social Media Bios:

• Twitter: “Tech enthusiast | Coffee addict | Passionate about making the web accessible for all. Tweets about web dev, UX, and the occasional cat meme. #a11y #webdev”
• Instagram: “Freelance photographer capturing life’s fleeting moments. 📸 Based in NYC. 🗽 #travel #photography #citylife”

Bio Templates for Every Occasion

Now that we’ve covered the essentials of bio writing and how to tailor it for different platforms let’s look at some templates you can use to start crafting your own.

1. The Classic Professional Bio

This format is versatile and suitable for various platforms, such as LinkedIn, company websites, and resumes. It concisely and professionally focuses on your core skills, experience, and accomplishments.

• Template: [Your Name] is a [Your Title] with [Number] years of experience in [Your Industry/Field]. They specialize in [Your Skills] and have a proven track record of [Your Accomplishments]. [Your Name] is passionate about [Your Passion] and is committed to [Your Goal].
• Example: Jane Doe is a Senior Marketing Manager with over 10 years of experience in the digital marketing industry. She specializes in SEO, content strategy, and social media marketing and has a proven track record of increasing website traffic, generating leads, and boosting brand awareness. Jane is passionate about data-driven decision-making and is committed to helping businesses achieve their marketing goals.

2. The Creative Professional Bio

If you work in a creative field like design, writing, or the arts, you should inject more personality and flair into your bio. This format allows you to showcase your unique voice, style, and creative spirit.

• Template: [Your Name] is a [Your Title] who thrives on [Your Creative Passion]. With a knack for [Your Skills], they’ve [Your Creative Accomplishments]. When not [Your Creative Activity], you can find them [Your Interest].
• Example: Emily Davis is a freelance illustrator and graphic designer who thrives on bringing ideas to life with vibrant colors and bold lines. With a knack for creating whimsical characters and eye-catching visuals, she’s illustrated several children’s books and designed award-winning marketing campaigns. When not sketching or doodling, you can find her exploring local art galleries or experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen.

3. The Entrepreneur/Founder Bio

If you’re an entrepreneur or founder, your bio should highlight your vision, leadership skills, and the impact your business has made.

• Template: [Your Name] is the [Your Title] of [Your Company Name], a [Brief Description of Your Company]. With a passion for [Your Passion], they founded the company in [Year] with the goal of [Your Company’s Goal]. Under their leadership, the company has [Your Company’s Accomplishments].
• Example: Sarah Johnson is the CEO of GreenTech Solutions, a leading provider of sustainable energy solutions for businesses. With a passion for environmental conservation, she founded the company in 2015 with the goal of helping businesses reduce their carbon footprint and adopt eco-friendly practices. Under her leadership, GreenTech Solutions has implemented energy-saving initiatives for over 500 companies, resulting in a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

4. The Speaker/Presenter Bio

If you’re a speaker or presenter, your bio should focus on your expertise, experience, and the topics you speak on. It should also entice potential event organizers to invite you to speak at their events.

• Template: [Your Name] is a sought-after [Your Title] who has spoken at [List of Notable Events/Conferences]. They are an expert on [Your Area of Expertise] and have a passion for [Your Passion]. Their engaging presentations are known for [Unique Aspects of Your Presentations].
• Example: Mark Roberts is a sought-after keynote speaker and author who has spoken at TEDx, SXSW, and numerous industry conferences. He is an expert on leadership development and has a passion for helping individuals and organizations unlock their full potential. His engaging presentations are known for their humor, practical insights, and actionable takeaways.

5. The Student/Entry-Level Bio

If you’re a student or recent graduate with limited professional experience, don’t worry! Your bio can still be impressive. Focus on your academic achievements, relevant skills, internships, volunteer work, and career aspirations.

• Template: [Your Name] is a [Your Degree/Field of Study] student at [Your University/School] with a passion for [Your Passion]. They have experience in [Your Skills/Experience] and are seeking opportunities to [Your Career Goals].
• Example: Michael Chen is a Marketing major at the University of Southern California with a passion for digital marketing and social media. He has experience managing social media accounts for campus organizations and is seeking internship opportunities in the marketing field to gain hands-on experience and develop his skills further.

Bio Writing Tips from the Pros

Crafting a compelling bio is both an art and a science. It requires a delicate balance of creativity, conciseness, and strategic thinking. To help you master the art of bio writing, we’ve gathered some insider tips from seasoned professionals:

1. Start with a Strong Opening Line

The first sentence of your bio is your chance to grab attention and make a strong first impression. Use a catchy phrase, a bold statement, or a question to pique the reader’s curiosity and entice them to keep reading.

• Example: “I’m a storyteller at heart, passionate about using words to connect with people and inspire action.

2. Use Action Verbs and Power Words

Refrain from settling for bland, generic verbs. Instead, use action verbs that convey your energy, drive, and accomplishments. Sprinkle in some power words to add impact and emphasis.

• Examples of Action Verbs: Led, managed, developed, created, implemented, spearheaded, achieved, exceeded, transformed, optimized.
• Examples of Power Words are proven , innovative, results-oriented, strategic, collaborative, passionate, dedicated, dynamic, versatile, and adaptable.

3. Quantify Your Accomplishments

Whenever possible, use numbers and metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work. This adds credibility and helps potential employers or clients understand the tangible value you bring to the table.

• Example: “Increased website traffic by 40% through a targeted SEO campaign.”

4. Be Honest and Authentic

While it’s important to present yourself in the best possible light, avoid exaggerating or misrepresenting your skills or experience. Be honest and authentic about who you are and what you bring to the table. People appreciate genuineness, and it will help you build trust and credibility.

5. Tailor Your Bio to Your Audience

One size does not fit all when it comes to bios. Consider who you’re writing for and tailor your language and tone accordingly. A bio for a creative agency website might be more informal and playful than one for a corporate law firm .

6. Keep it Concise

People have short attention spans, so make every word count. Get to the point quickly and avoid unnecessary details or jargon. A concise bio is easier to read and more likely to leave a lasting impression. Aim for a length that is appropriate for the platform you’re using, but generally, shorter is better.

7. Proofread Meticulously

Typos and grammatical errors can make you look unprofessional and careless. Take the time to proofread your bio carefully, or even better, ask a friend or colleague to review it for you.

8. Update Regularly

Your career is not static, so neither should your bio. Update your bio regularly to reflect your latest accomplishments, skills, and experiences. This will ensure that your bio remains relevant and accurately represents your current professional status.

9. Get Feedback

Feel free to ask for feedback on your bio from friends, colleagues, mentors, or even professional bio writers. Fresh eyes can often spot areas for improvement that you might have missed.

Using Elementor to Craft Your Online Presence

In today’s digital age, your online presence is an extension of your professional bio. A well-crafted website or online portfolio can significantly enhance your credibility, showcase your work, and attract new opportunities. Elementor, a powerful and intuitive website builder , can be your secret weapon in creating a standout online presence that complements your professional bio.

Create a Stunning Personal Website

A personal website serves as your digital home base, a centralized hub where you can showcase your skills, experience, and portfolio. With Elementor, you can easily create a visually stunning and professional website without any coding knowledge.

Elementor Tip: Leverage Elementor’s AI-powered features , such as the AI Copilot, to generate personalized content suggestions, design layouts, and even write compelling headlines and calls to action. This can save you time and effort while ensuring your website is optimized for engagement and conversions.

Build a Compelling “About Me” Page

Your “About Me” page is where your professional bio truly comes to life. It’s your opportunity to tell your story, share your passions, and highlight your unique value proposition. Elementor’s intuitive drag-and-drop interface and extensive library of templates and widgets make it easy to create an engaging and visually appealing “About Me” page that reflects your personality and brand.

Elementor Tip: Consider incorporating interactive elements like timelines, image galleries, or testimonials to make your “About Me” page more dynamic and engaging. You can also use Elementor’s motion effects and animations to add a touch of visual flair and bring your story to life.

Optimize Your Online Presence

In addition to creating a website and “About Me” page, Elementor can help you optimize your online presence in several other ways:

• SEO Optimization: Elementor offers built-in SEO tools to help you optimize your website for search engines, making it easier for people to find you online.
• Mobile Responsiveness: Ensure your website looks great and functions flawlessly on all devices, including smartphones and tablets, with Elementor’s responsive design capabilities .
• Social Media Integration: Easily connect your website to your social media profiles to expand your reach and engage with your audience across multiple platforms.
• Ecommerce Functionality: If you sell products or services online, Elementor’s WooCommerce Builder makes it easy to create a professional online store and integrate it seamlessly with your website.
• Performance Optimization: Elementor prioritizes website performance, ensuring fast loading times and a smooth user experience. This is crucial for keeping visitors engaged and improving your search engine rankings.

Example: How Sarah, a Freelance Graphic Designer, Used Elementor to Boost Her Career

Sarah, a talented graphic designer, was struggling to find new clients. Her professional bio was strong, but her online presence needed to be improved. She decided to use Elementor to create a personal website that showcased her portfolio and highlighted her skills. With Elementor’s intuitive interface and pre-designed templates, she was able to create a stunning website in no time. She also leveraged Elementor’s AI Copilot to generate engaging content and optimize her site for SEO. Within weeks, Sarah started receiving inquiries from potential clients who had found her website through search engines. She even landed a major project with a well-known brand, all thanks to her improved online presence.

By leveraging Elementor’s powerful features and intuitive interface, you can create a compelling online presence that complements your professional bio and opens doors to new opportunities. Whether you’re a freelancer, entrepreneur, or job seeker, Elementor can help you build a website that showcases your skills, experience, and personality and helps you achieve your professional goals.

Showcase Your Skills and Expertise

Your website is a prime opportunity to demonstrate your skills and expertise in action . With Elementor, you can easily create visually appealing portfolios, case studies , or project showcases to highlight your best work and impress potential clients or employers.

Elementor Tip: Utilize Elementor’s versatile portfolio widgets and templates to create a visually stunning showcase of your work. You can customize the layout, style, and animations to match your personal brand and create a memorable experience for your visitors .

Establish Your Authority and Thought Leadership

Blogging is a powerful way to establish yourself as a thought leader in your industry. With Elementor, you can create a beautiful and functional blog that complements your professional bio and showcases your expertise. Share your insights, opinions, and industry knowledge through well-written blog posts and attract a following of engaged readers.

Elementor Tip: Use Elementor’s blog post templates and widgets to design a blog that is visually appealing and easy to navigate. You can also integrate social media sharing buttons to encourage readers to share your content and expand your reach.

Build a Community and Network

Your website can also serve as a platform for building a community and network around your work. With Elementor, you can easily add contact forms, newsletter sign-up forms, and social media links to encourage engagement and foster connections with potential clients, collaborators, or employers.

Elementor Tip: Consider using Elementor’s Popup Builder to create eye-catching popups that promote your newsletter, social media channels, or special offers. This can be a great way to capture leads and grow your audience.

Drive Traffic and Generate Leads

A well-optimized website can be a powerful tool for driving traffic and generating leads for your business or freelance practice. By incorporating relevant keywords, optimizing your content for search engines, and promoting your website through social media and other channels, you can attract a steady stream of potential clients or employers.

Elementor Tip: Elementor’s SEO tools and integrations with popular marketing platforms make it easy to optimize your website for search engines and track your results. You can also use Elementor’s forms and popups to capture leads and nurture them through your sales funnel .

Common Bio Blunders to Avoid

Even the most seasoned professionals can stumble when writing their bios. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Typos and Grammatical Errors: As mentioned earlier, proofreading is crucial. A single typo can undermine your credibility and make you appear careless. Double-check your spelling, grammar, and punctuation, and consider using a grammar checker tool for an extra layer of scrutiny.
• Generic or Cliché Phrases: Phrases like “hardworking,” “team player,” or “results-oriented” are overused and don’t provide any meaningful information about you. Instead, focus on specific examples and achievements that demonstrate these qualities.
• Too Much Jargon: While it’s important to demonstrate your expertise, avoid overwhelming your readers with industry-specific jargon. Use language that is clear and accessible to a wider audience. Explain complex concepts in simple terms, and avoid acronyms or abbreviations that might not be familiar to everyone.
• Exaggeration or Misrepresentation: Be honest and transparent about your skills and experience. Inflating your accomplishments or claiming expertise you don’t possess will only damage your credibility in the long run.
• Being Too Modest: While humility is a virtue, don’t be afraid to showcase your achievements and strengths. Your bio is your chance to shine, so own your accomplishments and highlight your unique value proposition.
• Not Proofreading: Always proofread your bio carefully before publishing it. Ask a friend, colleague, or mentor to review it for you. Fresh eyes can often spot errors or awkward phrasing that you might have missed.

Crafting a compelling professional bio is an essential step in building your personal brand and advancing your career. By understanding the core elements of a bio, tailoring it to different platforms, and following expert tips, you can create a bio that truly reflects your skills, experience, and personality.

Remember, your bio is your digital handshake, your first impression, and your personal marketing tool. Invest time and effort in crafting a bio that accurately represents you and your professional goals.

With Elementor’s powerful website builder and AI-powered tools, you can easily create a stunning online presence that complements your professional bio and helps you stand out from the crowd.

So, what are you waiting for? Start crafting your bio today and unlock new career opportunities.

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Biography openers

Examples from our community, 53 results for 'biography openers'.

These sentence starters and connectives will ensure that you get biographies from your students that are interesting and differ from each others. Print them out as is and give one to each of your students for their books or enlarge them to use as posters around your room. * The time came for…. * Soon afterwards…. * Shortly after this….

This resource includes a set of sentence starters, suggested phrases and connective vocabulary to inspire and prompt biography writing. The strips have been colour coded to help your students identify where and how they might best be used in a biography text. The parts of this colour code include: The time came for….

Add the subject's dates of birth and death (if applicable). Include context, which tells the location where your subject was born, her nationality and ethnicity. Explain briefly why your subject is important or notable. Give a one- or two-sentence summary of what she accomplished. Tie in the subject's accomplishments to your reader's experience.

That makes this activity the perfect opportunity for your students to become self-sufficient writers. With these writing prompts, students will get a helpful little boost to help them describe their biography subject. Students will simply choose a prompt and use their research to complete the first sentence…. And, ideally, the next one.

Support your Year 3-6 students to write a biography! Provide your students with a little bit of inspiration and guidance when writing a biography with these biography themed sentence starters and suggested phrases to get them started. These sentence starters and connectives will help scaffold the writing of biographies from your students that ...

Jigsaw Worksheet 9 reviews. Explore more than 158 "Biography Sentence Openers" resources for teachers, parents and pupils as well as related resources on "Sentence Starters". Instant access to inspirational lesson plans, schemes of work, assessment, interactive activities, resource packs, PowerPoints, teaching ideas at Twinkl!

How to Write a Great Opening Sentence. Everyone knows some of the great opening lines from fiction novels: "Call me Ishmael.". - Herman Melville, Moby Dick . "Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.". - Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina.

2) Biography Words and phrases to use at the start of sentences Time openers (adverbials of time) As a child . . . During his early life . . .

Support your Year 3-6 students to write a biography! Provide your students with a little bit of inspiration and guidance when writing a biography with these biography themed sentence starters and suggested phrases to get them started. Sign in to leave a review. Great but surely 'Later life' should come before 'Legacy' - Legacy should be last to ...

200 Top "Biography Sentence Openers" Teaching Resources curated for you. Biography Sentence Starters . 25 reviews ... Year 9 - Year 10 English Sentence Openers: Essay Writing . 65 reviews . Last downloaded on. Sentence Opener Examples Word Mat Pack . 88 reviews ...

A Sentence Opener begins to paint a picture in the reader's mind and grabs their attention by drawing them into the composition. When a writer uses a verb, plural noun, collective noun or a preposition to start their sentence they are using sentence openers. The writing activities, games, examples, lists, charts of openers and worksheets will ...

649 Top "Biography Sentence Starters" Teaching Resources curated for you. Biography Sentence Starters. 25 reviews . Last downloaded on. UKS2 Writing: Biographies Knowledge Organiser ... Biography Sentence Openers Display Poster . Last downloaded on-ing Openers Word Mat . 2 reviews

Explore more than 649 "Biography Sentence Starters" resources for teachers, parents and pupils as well as related resources on "Biography". Check out our interactive series of lesson plans, worksheets, PowerPoints and assessment tools today! All teacher-made, aligned with the Australian Curriculum.

This fantastic Biography Sentence Openers Display Poster is a super way to support children in their writing. The useful sentences will allow children to focus on different aspects of an individual's life. A great resource for your writing lessons! Why not check out our fab planning resources for English here. Twinkl Key Stage 2 - Year 3, 4, 5, 6.

Provide your students with a little bit of inspiration and guidance when writing a biography with these biography themed sentence starters and suggested phrases to get them started.These sentence starters and connectives will help scaffold the writing of biographies from your students that are interesting and full of a variety of formal written language. You might like to print them out and ...

UKS2 Writing: Formal Letters Knowledge Organiser 9 reviews. Explore more than 665 "Biography Sentence Starters" resources for teachers, parents, and students. Instantly access Twinkl's printable and digital K-12 teaching resources, including worksheets, eBooks, games, PowerPoints, Google Slides, and more!

Biography Sentence Starters At the age of As a child When he A few years later In his childhood The following year Two years later Sadly In January 1995 Unfortunately During Luckily While this was happening As he grew older From that time Although Often he However Even though Once ...

The first sentence of your bio is your chance to grab attention and make a strong first impression. Use a catchy phrase, a bold statement, or a question to pique the reader's curiosity and entice them to keep reading. Example: "I'm a storyteller at heart, passionate about using words to connect with people and inspire action. 2. Use ...

Emotion Sentence Starters Prompts. Explore more than 530 "Biography Sentence Starters" resources for teachers, parents and pupils as well as related resources on "Biography". Instant access to inspirational lesson plans, schemes of work, assessment, interactive activities, resource packs, PowerPoints, teaching ideas at Twinkl!

Jigsaw Worksheet 9 reviews. Explore more than 158 "Biography Sentence Openers" resources for teachers, parents and pupils as well as related resources on "Sentence Starters". Check out our interactive series of lesson plans, worksheets, PowerPoints and assessment tools today!

14 results for 'biography openers'. Biography Complete the sentence. by Year4portland. Openers Match Up 2 Match up. by Laura1213. KS2 English Spelling, Punctuation & Grammar. Discursive Openers Spin the wheel. by Fruitbatleigh. Sentence openers Match up.

Fronted Adverbial Foldable Book Activity 1 review. Explore more than 188 "Ks2 Biography Writing Sentence Openers" resources for teachers, parents and pupils. Instant access to inspirational lesson plans, schemes of work, assessment, interactive activities, resource packs, PowerPoints, teaching ideas at Twinkl!