Invest some time in going over an element or point that you feel strongly about. For example, you might believe that there are key elements to a successful marriage relationship. Or you might believe that there are certain qualities that a leader must have. Choose a topic that you have dealt with on a personal basis to give more power to your writing.
Once you have figured out the subject of your definition paragraph, work on outlining key points that define what that subject means to you. Write a topic sentence that mentions the element that you want to discuss, and have three words or phrases that fit your beliefs. For example, "Leadership is more quickly developed in an individual who has an open mind, flexible spirit and strong will." The sentences that follow will address these three qualities that a leader, in your opinion, must have.
After you name the three words or phrases, write a sentence that explains why you selected the first definitive phrase or word about your topic. For example, "A leader must have an open mind because listening is the best way to engage followers."
In keeping with your explanation of the first word or phrase, write a sentence or two that gives a specific example about that first word or phrase. For example, "I know a very successful business person who held meetings every week to listen to his employees."
Write a transitional phrase that leads to a sentence that explains your second definitive word or phrase. For example, "While having two-way communication and room for ideas is good, it’s also productive to have a flexible attitude in leadership."
A specific example of the second word or phrase should come next. For example, "There is a lot of research that shows flexible people attract more loyalty over the long run."
Another transitional phrase should produce a sentence explaining the third word or phrase that you’ve mentioned. For example, "Although an open mind and flexible spirit are important for leaders, there has never been a substitute for strong will when the going gets rough."
A couple of sentences that provide a specific example come next. For example, "Throughout history, all great military leaders demonstrated more willpower than the average enlisted person. Those who rose to fame seemed to possess a supernatural amount of sheer determination."
A closing sentence that summarizes the paragraph comes last. This sentence reiterates the points that you’ve already made. For example, "An open mind, flexible spirit and strong will are traits that will serve any leader quite well, regardless of the role in life that he has accepted."