Everyone of us naturally has opinions about many things, whether we dwell upon them or not. Occasionally we feel so strongly about something that we need to express ourselves in writing. This is the essence of what an editorial or op-ed is all about. An editorial or opinion column or letter to the editor is your outlet to share with the world.
The problem is that while everyone has various ideas about things, not everyone knows exactly how to formulate and convey them in an orderly written manner. That is what this column is all about, to teach you how to write an editorial or opinion piece that has at least a little bit of order and logic to it.
First of all, what is your opinion's subject? Politics? Religion? Current events? Sports? Do you know what you are talking about? Secondly, what is your exact slant? Anytime you express yourself in an editorial, you must confine your thoughts to a few precise points. Writing a little bit about everything related to the topic in the same piece is akin to writing about absolutely nothing. You must focus on limited ideas. Get the idea? The public has a short and limited attention span. Be simple.
Pick an interesting title first. Next, catch the readers' attention with a strong opening line or two, and show the reader that you are human and rational in the next couple of sentences; then, write individual short paragraphs about your three main sub-points. After this, provide a conclusion with a potential solution to the problem that you have explained. Simple enough, right? Maybe.
Amid the course of the editorial piece, it is important that you write with authority. What you type should be considered "as a given." It may be an opinion piece, but your readers must view what is printed as virtual facts. They need to respect you. Otherwise, what weight will your potential solutions carry? Is it your intent to just provide a minute or two of entertainment? (I hope not.)
Lastly, be prepared to catch feedback from your editorial piece. If you write it, readers have a right to reply. If you are not thick-skinned, this can hurt. (I know, believe me.) Furthermore, make sure to provide a way for readers to contact you about the opinion column. Do not hide in web-world. No one respects a person that can give their points of view, yet not accept sensible contrary ones back... Reply to all those that contact you! Whether it is on Facebook, in a magazine, or in newspapers, take your medicine. Believe it or not, most of your feedback will be good.
About the Author:
I'm Jimmy Hall, a freelance writer outside of Atlanta that specializes in business and corporate writing, website and webpage search engine optimization, general web-writing, professional projects, press releases, business letters, college coursework help, ad-columns, articles, and essays. I can help you or your organization at a reasonable fee or rate. Phone: 404-580-1501 E-mail: HJimmy577@aol.com
Webpage: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jimmy-Halls-Writing-and-Composing-Services/213480584583
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