5 Steps to Write a Persuasive Op-Ed
An op-ed is an article written by an expert or an individual with a unique perspective that appears opposite the editorial page. Op-ed articles are a powerful tool to influence public policy, build your personal reputation, or increase awareness about your non-profit or charitable organization.
5 core components of a persuasive op-ed
1. Use your op-ed to make an argument
Craft a strong introduction and focus on one overarching idea at the beginning of your op-ed. Aim for simplicity and clarity, and present it in a manner that will convince your audience to care. Readers should understand the logic behind your argument while also feeling the emotions.
2. Get to the point
Use passionate language but avoid tirades. Keep your op-ed succinct and communicate your main points in 1,000 words or less. It is common for articles to be between 500-700 words. Write in an active voice and shorten long sentences. Do away with jargon or technical terms. This will just confuse your reader and cause them to lose interest.
3. Support your argument with evidence
Anecdotes and storytelling help engage your readers, but you also need strong evidence to support your claim. Balance your op-ed with narratives from your personal experience together with cold hard facts from published research studies and trustworthy sources.
4. Write for your audience
Understanding your audience is key to effective op-ed writing. Think of a compelling hook that will make them sit up and pay attention. Consider your tone, and convey empathy and respect even to those who disagree with you.
5. Keep it timely
Coming from the right person at the right time, a message can have a big impact on public discourse. Relate your op-ed to trending news topics or controversial issues. This will improve your chances of being picked up by editors. Do your research and check if the newspaper has covered this topic in the past. Make sure you have a unique point of view or can present a substantially new piece of information. Remember to keep your submission exclusive to one media outlet and continue to nurture your relationship with them to help you successfully pitch future articles.
Craft a strong introduction and focus on one overarching idea at the beginning of your op-ed. Aim for simplicity and clarity, and present it in a manner that will convince your audience to care. Readers should understand the logic behind your argument while also feeling the emotions.
2. Get to the point
Use passionate language but avoid tirades. Keep your op-ed succinct and communicate your main points in 1,000 words or less. It is common for articles to be between 500-700 words. Write in an active voice and shorten long sentences. Do away with jargon or technical terms. This will just confuse your reader and cause them to lose interest.
3. Support your argument with evidence
Anecdotes and storytelling help engage your readers, but you also need strong evidence to support your claim. Balance your op-ed with narratives from your personal experience together with cold hard facts from published research studies and trustworthy sources.
4. Write for your audience
Understanding your audience is key to effective op-ed writing. Think of a compelling hook that will make them sit up and pay attention. Consider your tone, and convey empathy and respect even to those who disagree with you.
5. Keep it timely
Coming from the right person at the right time, a message can have a big impact on public discourse. Relate your op-ed to trending news topics or controversial issues. This will improve your chances of being picked up by editors. Do your research and check if the newspaper has covered this topic in the past. Make sure you have a unique point of view or can present a substantially new piece of information. Remember to keep your submission exclusive to one media outlet and continue to nurture your relationship with them to help you successfully pitch future articles.
Make an impact with your ideas
An op-ed is a great opportunity for your voice to be heard, but writing and publishing an editorial in traditional media outlets is often challenging. Perch is here to help you develop your piece and make sure it lands in a prominent spot. Contact us for your free, 30-minute consultation.
