Everyone has an opinion on something, and you can leverage the opinion of top executives to heighten the visibility of your organization. How? By getting them to write so-called op/ed pieces for newspapers. Of course they'd love to be in the New York Times, but that typically is the purview of the mega-corporation. So, let's start closer to home at our local newspapers. Here are a few key things you should know in order to write a successful op/ed feature. * Check your local newspaper's website to learn about their op/ed policy * Tackle a subject currently getting coverage. This improves your chances of getting the piece published * Include a short bio, and your contact information at the end of the piece. Also, have a head and shoulders photo available * Focus on a single issue or idea * Don't waffle: take a strong stance * State your conclusion first and then support it with your strongest points in descending order, building to a compelling conclusion * State your opinion at the outset and support it with facts from other authorities, and solid first- or third-party research * Write tight. Remember, this is a newspaper piece, not War & Peace. A piece of 750 - 1,000 words has the best chance of appearing in print * Don't use jargon * Don't commit an act of literature. Limit adjectives and adverbs as well as flowery language * Use a personal and conversational approach * Write in active voice * Be controversial, but reasonable * Summarize and state your call to action * Publish. Repeat |
