Editorial columns are opinion-based essays that highlight issues of concern to a community. They share viewpoints through personal anecdotes, expertise and objective analysis. They often take a strong, clear-cut stand on an issue and are designed to sway public perception and encourage people to feel strongly about something. Whether you’re trying to promote an event, raise awareness of a health risk or encourage readers to get involved in their community, editorial pieces are a powerful way to do it.
Editorials are written by a newspaper’s editors or members of its editorial board to express the paper’s position on an issue. Unlike news articles, they are not generally framed using the first-person plural “we” and are usually published without a byline. Historically, newspaper editorials have been a platform for the editorial board’s collective opinion and have had a strong influence on the political opinions of readers.
Opinion pieces, also known as op-eds, are typically a little longer than editorials and are published in response to news or articles that the newspaper has already put out. They may be written by a person who is not a journalist with the newspaper or submitted by a reader.
Guest columns and editorials are a great way to reach a large audience. They are typically short and can be entertaining, which helps to keep the reader engaged. Regardless of the tone of the piece, it is important to give the reader sufficient background information so that they understand the point you are trying to make. It is also important that controversial ideas are backed by logic and evidence. Lastly, it is good to include an appeal to action — registering to vote, writing letters, protesting, etc.