The editorial column is the part of a newspaper or other publication that shares opinions about political, social and cultural issues. It can be used to praise good deeds, issue warnings and motivate people into action. An effective editorial must be well written and present both sides of an argument. It should also acknowledge common counter arguments and cite sources to give it credibility.
Some editorials are penned by a single individual, while others are syndicated and appear in many newspapers. Syndicated columnists, such as George Will and Nicholas Kristof of the New York Times, usually write about national politics and other current events. Some individual writers specialize in specific subjects, such as food, parenting or sports.
A well-written editorial is both entertaining and informative. It should hold the reader’s interest until it is read to its conclusion. It should also leave a positive after taste, like a satisfying dessert. It should also leave the reader wanting to read other editorials by the same author.
If you are looking for ideas for your editorial column, choose a topic that has passionate opponents and proponents. This will allow you to write a compelling piece with plenty of material to back it up. Whether you want to discuss gay marriage, the development of healthy eating habits or school uniforms, these topics are sure to spark debate and make people think.
Editorials and guest columns are great ways to spread the word about an important issue in your community. Use them in conjunction with other media methods, such as public service announcements, brochures, posters and advertising, to get your message heard and encourage change.