Editorials share educated opinions on a topic or issue. They may criticize or praise and can use argumentative, persuasive writing to sway readers’ opinion or influence their decision making. They are based on factual data and can include expert quotes to add credibility. Editorials can also incorporate other types of content, such as news articles and analytical writing, to reinforce a point or create a narrative.
It must be a fresh perspective on the subject – not too controversial, but also not so safe as to fall into complacency. It must challenge a reader by provoking thought, by encouraging readers to explore new ideas or reconsider old ones. It must inspire debate and discussion, fuelling the democratic process. It should encourage engagement in societal advancements, fostering awareness of issues and calling for collective action.
It must be entertaining – utilizing humor or satire, for instance, to engage the audience or capture their imaginations. It must leave an aftertaste – it must make you want to read the next editorial, just like a good dessert leaves you wanting another helping. The feeling must be a sense of profundity – that you’ve understood the issue and been given an important insight, or that you’ve been inspired to do something about it – or both. And it must also be readable and engaging, not too dense or technical or smugly self-congratulatory. As with any type of writing, it is important to identify the purpose and write for that purpose – this will guide you through the writing process.