7 Key Elements of a Compelling Op-ed
Bland or grand?
How many times have you read opinion articles that are written haphazardly, leaving you to ask yourself “What did I just read and what was the point?” That’s making the assumption that you even finished reading the op-ed because you lost interest half-way through.
Let’s look at a few key elements that business leaders seeking to boost their authority need to include in any opinion article their name is on.
Clear Thesis Statement. Without one, you are dead in the water. It’s the backbone of a compelling and engaging op-ed. It presents your central argument. Your thesis statement sets the direction and tone of the piece, informing your reader of the viewpoint being argued.
Strong Opening. Your aim is to captivate and grab your reader’s attention from the get-go. You want to motivate your readers to read further. You can often achieve this through a poignant question, striking fact, or a compelling anecdote.
Logical Structure and Flow. A well-organized opinion article has a logical flow that makes it easier for readers to follow the argument. You want each paragraph to build on the previous one, ending with a strong conclusion.
Evidence and Examples. You want to overcome a reader’s natural inclination to question your viewpoint. Supporting your argument with creditable evidence, stats, and real-world examples will add validity and persuasion to your piece.
Personal Touch and Expertise. Do you have personal experience or specialized knowledge that can enhance your credibility and create a connection with your reader? Use it. Include it. Make your piece more relatable and authoritative.
Engaging Style. There are many different writing styles that can be used when sharing information. I suggest you use a conversational tone, bold and bright, and rhetorical questions that together add impact.
Call to Action (CTA). Too often left out of the mix. Urge your readers to think, change their behavior, or engage further with the topic.
What comes out of the above? I can make a list, but one outcome is your readers will remember you! Your persuasive argument will go a long to extending your influence and boosting your authority.
The Hook
It should be no surprise that having a clear and intriguing title is the hook for a reader to even consider spending more time to read what you are sharing.
Introduce your topic with a hook that captures interest, such as a question, statistic, or bold statement. Something that readers would perceive that answers their question, “What’s in it for me?”
Template
A simple template would look like this:
Introduction. Present the issue and your thesis.
Body Paragraphs. Discuss arguments, providing evidence and examples.
Conclusion. Sum up the arguments and end with a call to action.
Can You Write Your Own Op-eds?
Of course, but if you are a startup founder, entrepreneur, C-suite executive, consultant, or investor, you likely don’t have the time to write op-eds on a consistent basis. What happens is you never write one because other priorities and obligations get in the way or you start to write an op-ed and never finish it much less publish it. Your effort to stay top-of-mind with prospects and clients goes out the window with unfinished efforts.
Your Ghostwriter Can Be Your Strategic Asset.
Partnering with a ghostwriter, writing on your behalf (behind the curtain so to speak), allows busy professionals like yourself to consistently articulate your insight and expertise without investing the time required to write. How much is your time worth?
Your ghostwriter can help build your personal and company brand, showcase authority in your field, and influence public opinion or industry trends.
The result? Visibility, trust, confidence, credibility and the potential to attract new business opportunities, partnerships, and investments.
