Making Change through Persuasive Writing
Have you noticed how few progressive voices appear on the opinion pages of the newspapers, including on the websites connected to those papers? This is something we have to change because the people we want to persuade read the op eds, both in print and online. This session will sharpen your skills as a writer and advocate by examining the principles of effective op ed writing. Topics include writing compelling leads, anticipating the news cycle, marshalling evidence in support of your position, rebutting your opponent’s main arguments and honing a call to action and conclusion. Participants will write a sample lead and provide feedback on each other’s drafts. You will leave with ideas to make your writing more persuasive, whether you want to break into the op ed pages of the mainstream media or improve your blog posts or diary entries.
Margot Friedman, J.D., is the principal of Dupont Circle Communications, a full-service communications firm that specializes in opinion editorial writing for progressive nonprofit organizations and Democratic PACs. In 2009, Margot ghostwrote op eds that appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Newsweek’s My Turn, The Los Angeles Times, The Boston Globe, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Huffington Post, and other publications. www.DupontCircleCommunications.com
