structureintroducing

Structureintroducing is a discourse technique in which the organizing framework of a text or utterance is presented before the detailed content. It describes both a practical writing habit and a theoretical concept used by researchers to analyze how audiences are guided through information. The core idea is to preview the structure to aid comprehension and processing.

In practice, structureintroducing appears as explicit signposts, outlines, or schematic cues. Examples include sentences like “This article has three parts: first, an overview; second, a methods section; and finally, a discussion,” or a paragraph that begins with “The structure of this chapter is as follows.” Visual aids such as diagrams or headings that map the upcoming sequence also count as structureintroducing. In speech, it can be conveyed through prefaces, transitions, or a spoken outline.

The technique is closely related to signposting and information structure. By signaling topic progression, it helps readers and listeners anticipate upcoming moves, manage expectations, and maintain coherence. It interacts with givenness, focus, and discourse markers, shaping how content is chunked and interpreted rather than merely described.

Historically, structureintroducing is not a universally formalized term but appears in discussions of instructional writing, rhetoric, and discourse analysis. It is often contrasted with more implicit or "below the surface" organizational cues and with purely stylistic devices. Critics note that overuse can be distracting or mechanical, while advocates argue that appropriate use enhances clarity, especially in complex or technical materials.

See also: signposting, discourse markers, information structure, coherence, rhetorical organization.