Writing an Opinion Article: A Guide to Getting Your Voice in Print
Opinion articles, also known as Op-Eds, are a great way to express your ideas and get on-the-record about a particular issue, current event, or policy concern. At Evinco, we use these tools to get our clients on record about issues important to their campaigns and their communities and create earned media opportunities. While it can be intimidating at first, a few simple steps can make writing Op-Eds easy and effective.
1. Start with your beliefs and a story: Open your Op-Ed with a values statement — what do you believe in? What is this about? What is your position on it? Be as clear and concise as possible — using simple language helps (e.g., “streets and sidewalks” instead of “infrastructure”). To make it interesting, share a personal story or a story about your community that connects to your topic. Authenticity and vulnerability goes a long way in persuasion. This story should make people want to keep reading.
The streets by the doctor’s office were flooding…again. I had to cancel an appointment for my son that it had taken 6 months to secure. That’s when I woke up. Climate change isn’t just real, it’s here. And our quality of life depends on doing something about it.
2. Explain why the issue matters: Tell your readers what the issue is and why it is important. It is best to use real examples to show how it affects your community and explain why things can’t stay the way they are. Whenever possible, use local facts and avoid jargon to make it relevant and real for your readers. (For example, instead of using vague terms like “climate change,” use words that your readers see as climate crisis issues like “wildfires” or “flooding”).
This time last year a 10-day heat wave killed 395 Californians. 395 grandparents, uncles, daughters, workers and neighbors are no longer with us. That’s higher than the average monthly death rate by drunk driving. We have law enforcement out in force trying to protect us from impaired drivers, but where is the protection from polluters, emissions, and other leading causes of this health crisis?
3. Give them 3 main points: If you’re arguing for a particular policy change, say what you would do to fix the problem. If you’re taking a position on an issue, what are your 3 reasons for taking that position? Keep it simple: don’t use big words or make it too complicated.
We must hold our leaders accountable to climate goals and hold polluters accountable for the damage they continue to do. If elected, I would lead the charge to move the city to 100% renewable energy by 2030; I would sue Big Oil for damages and use the awards to electrify buildings, provide cooling equipment to senior citizens, and fix the damage done to our streets, sidewalks, and sewers.
4. What happens if we do nothing: Explain what could happen if we don’t do anything about the problem. This can be particularly effective in persuading people if the previous sections have not inspired a reaction. Compare the potential negative outcomes of doing nothing to the good things your ideas could bring.
We cannot stop climate change overnight, but we must take even more action now to start reversing the damage we can. Scientists are estimating a massive increase in climate-related deaths as temperatures rise.
5. End with a call to action or reminder that reiterates your position: Finish your Op-Ed by telling your readers what they can do to help and repeat your position. When relevant, encourage them to think and take action.
Whether you vote for me on Election Day or not, I encourage you to call the Mayor and your Councillmember and tell them to grow a spine when it comes to bold climate action. Attend Council meetings and speak up during public comment. Write letters to the editor. Keep up the pressure to act. Speeding up our journey to renewable energy and holding polluters accountable are the least our city can do when it comes to protecting us from the impacts of climate change.
A few tips for writing:
1. Outline it first if that’s helpful to you. Your outline should include:
the introduction/opening story,
summary of the issue,
your position on the issue,
2–3 points that support your position with supporting details or facts relevant to your community (inspiration for this section may come from your campaign’s platform),
how you would fix the issue (if relevant)
conclusion that supports your argument and ties it all together.
2. Save the title for last — many people try to write the title first and get stuck. Once the article is on paper, the title should be much easier to write.
3. When editing, look for redundancies, useless words (that, really, very, etc.), and phrases that can be shorter. It’s a great way to cut unnecessary words and make sure you’re communicating clearly and concisely.
4. Consider having a friend or colleague read it over for feedback — a second set of eyes can make a big difference in the final product.
For example, here is an op-ed by Zaneta Encarnacíon that clearly follows best practices: she opens with a personal story, provides three points clearly and persuasively, and ends with a moving yet succinct closing statement. From the beginning of the article, the topic and position is clear, she writes with easy-to-understand language, and she stays close to the heart of her position.
Writing an Op-Ed is a way to share your ideas and make your voice known. By following the above structure and keeping it simple, you have the potential to affect and persuade readers and impact them for the better. For additional guidance and tips, check out the Op Ed Project Resources.
Questions about your campaign? Schedule a free 15 minute 1-on-1 consultation with us now.
Written by Eva Posner and Lindsay Riedel Reuther of Evinco Strategies.