Convert Transition - The Donahoe Transition System

"Transitions are where most copy dies. The writer runs out of momentum, drops in a clunky connector, and the reader checks out. In Donahoe copy, transitions happen through energy and movement, not announcement phrases." - The Donahoe Method, Framework 8

This skill replaces clunky filler transitions ("here's the thing", "look", "let me be straight with you") with the 10 Donahoe transition moves that work through energy and movement.

You either accelerate, decelerate, redirect, or detonate. The movement itself is interesting enough that the reader follows.

When to Use

Trigger phrases: "fix my transitions", "donahoe transitions", "transition system", "kill the connector phrases", "kill here's the thing", "write a comparison bomb", "write an aside bomb", "move between sections", /convert transition <draft section>.

Use when:

• A draft has clunky filler transitions
• A specific section break feels stiff or breaks momentum
• You're inside a Chute pass (convert-chute) and need a specific transition move to deploy
• The writer used the same kind of transition 3+ times in a row

Do NOT use for:

• Engineering full-draft momentum (use convert-chute)
• Writing the asset's opening hook (use convert-open)
• Writing the close (use convert-close)
• Auditing the page (use convert-audit)

Inputs

Required:

1. The draft section(s) - paste in the specific section break(s) where the transition needs work
2. Direction of energy - what are we moving from / to? (problem → solution / story → mechanism / proof → bullets / bullets → close / etc.)

Optional:

• Voice samples / signature phrases so transitions match the seller's voice
• Reader temperature (Cool audiences absorb Diagnostic well; Hot audiences love Escalation; Boiling audiences just need a Dismiss)
• out_path - caller-controlled output. Defaults via build_report_path.

The Banned Filler Phrases