Opinionated people don't always write the best opinion articles

"I'm angry about 'such-and-such event' and I absolutely intend to tell to you why you should be be angry too through this rant I am trying to pass off as journalism."

There are some common mistakes that those who are new to opinion writing, and especially young journalists, make when it comes time to write an opinion article or column. All too often when the writer is attempting to present an insightful view of what they see as a better solution to a problem, the product ends up seeming like an ill-informed rant or temper tantrum.

Here are some major do's and don'ts  to the world of journalistic opinion writing:

Do make your opinion AND the solutions that you offer clear and concise. Often when someone writes an opinion article, it can be hard to truly pinpoint what the opinion of the author is. People don't want to guess what you think, nor do they want to read a list of problems without any alternatives to them.

Don't attack the subject. Just because you don't like the opposition's opinion it doesn't mean that you should attack the person or their character, lifestyle, friends and family. Of course every rule has its exception, so if the subject of your article acted in an unjust manner (and your article is about that act) then you will undoubtedly be judging their character.

Do tell both sides of the story. Your opinion writing will be much more influential if you avoid hiding positive information about the opposing side.

Don't write a long tirade, instead be quick and to the point. Readers may be too busy to read a 2,000 word article about why you dislike nuclear power plants, so they'll never reach the end where you discuss greener energy alternatives.

Do research the subject. Thoroughly. As with any other journalistic work, you need to conduct research in order to see all the sides of the issue, and to see what factors have led to the problem occurring.

Don't attack the reader. By saying things "anyone who agrees with the opponent is crazy," or something along those lines, it will make people distrust your writing or dislike you as the author.

Do avoid writing political endorsements. What you may think is simply an opinion article on who the best candidate for office is can quickly escalate into a journalistic debacle discrediting you as a journalist. Personally, I feel that political endorsements are innapropriate in the field of journalism. Let other politicians endorse the candidates and worry about neutrally researching the candidates instead.

Don't use "I" or "you." By keeping a more neutral stance and writing in the third person it will continue to solidify the concept of your article being an informed and enlightened piece on the subject. Using "I" and "you" is a sure fire way to make your opinion sound like a rant.

Check out my next blog post in a few days where I put my opinion writing tips into practice!



Photo Credit: Lauren J. Mapp




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