If you’re a scholarly author, you’re probably aware of the parts of your project that may trigger readers. It could be that your methodology is controversial or that you’re advancing a contentious argument in your field. Or perhaps readers are prone to misunderstanding why you’ve chosen to structure your manuscript in a certain way.
Sometimes, especially if your project is in its early stages, this resistance from readers can be a sign to tweak your methodology or change your argument, for example.
However, opposition to an element of your project can also be a sign that you’re doing important work, that you’re pushing your field in a new direction.
If you decide to continue with a potentially-polemical project, it’s a good idea to (diplomatically) go on the offensive and anticipate reader resistance before your article or book is published.
One way to disarm resistant readers is to include a paragraph in your introduction that anticipates and responds to the feedback to come. This way, you are the one who sets the stage for the conversation. You are the first to bring up the concerns—and to address them on your own terms.
This paragraph can start with the phrase, “Some may say…”
Here you will directly articulate the concerns that readers may have.
In this paragraph, you must be careful not to set up a straw man. You are not to misrepresent their position in order to bolster your own.
Rather, you will respectfully honor others’ views while concurrently explaining your decision.
You might also explain why (you think) people could oppose your methodology or argument, for instance, and provide a rationale for why you have stuck with this controversial element.
In this single paragraph, you will defend your decision to the best of your ability. This is an opportunity to respectfully anticipate critiques. It is not the moment to be defensive or aggressive towards anyone in particular. And no need to spend a long time on this strategy—a paragraph is usually sufficient.
Will this paragraph convince all your potential detractors? Certainly not. But the paragraph might help you sway readers who are open to a different view or approach and just need a little help being brought over to your side.
Don’t worry that you are empowering your detractors by highlighting resistance to your project. Being upfront about the less expected parts of your project can actually convey scholarly maturity and a willingness to engage in a respectful conversation.