Joëlle van Kuijeren
May 23, 2023
Opinion pieces are a great way to get your voice heard about a particular topic. But how do you write an opinion piece that is actually read and appreciated? In this blog, I share 5 tips to help you get started.
Opinion pieces are a great way to get your voice heard about a particular topic. But how do you write an opinion piece that is actually read and appreciated? In this blog, I share 5 tips to help you get started.
With the right approach, writing a compelling and impactful opinion piece can be easier than you think. Here are some tips that can help you have a good opinion piece to write and express your point of view in a powerful way.
It always helps to write your opinion piece based on a need or question, such as society's need to learn more about a particular topic. In any case, choose a topic that is relevant and that you can tell something special about. Keep in mind that you want to arouse the reader's interest so that they actually want to read your piece. You do this by incorporating a controversial opinion into your text and/or by taking a different angle than what is already widely read online.
Make sure your view of the subject is clear. The sooner you incorporate this into the text, the better it is. That way, you get attention and people keep reading. Explain why this is your opinion and support your position with arguments and facts. It can help to share personal anecdotes and real-life examples, especially if you are a thought leader want to be seen.
Avoid jargon and complicated sentences. An opinion piece is about convincing the reader. The trick here is to write convincingly, without coming across as cowardly. Avoiding technical jargon helps you better connect to the reader's frame of reference. Short texts are often ideal for opinion pieces, because it's the best way to get the message out to readers. In addition, repetition in a text can make for a less strong message, so avoid that as much as possible.
Don't end the story with a summary, but with a clear conclusion that gets the reader thinking. This can be a powerful statement or an inspiring question, for example. You want the reader to learn something about your opinion piece and this way, you ensure that people are still working on the content after reading your piece.
To distribute your opinion piece to the right target group, it's important to engage the right media and channels. Selecting this is done by determining which media are relevant to the target group and then ensuring that they are willing to post your opinion piece.
By following these tips, you can ensure that you write opinion pieces that are read and appreciated by a wide audience. Do you also need help determining and reaching the right media? We would love to help you. Get in touch with us!
