Editorial writing is known for its opinions but full of direct quotations coming from experts that ignites to advocate its reader.
1. For starters, editorial writing advocates and based on my experience, most of an editorial article chose to be on the left side. Basically, editorial needs to be negative against a current issue. Editorials can often come across as negative because they serve a critical function in society. For instance, when addressing issues like climate change or social injustice, the tone may reflect urgency and frustration. This negativity isn’t just for shock value; it highlights significant problems that require immediate attention. Think of it like a medical diagnosis: a doctor must explain the seriousness of a condition to motivate a patient to take action.
2. Determining your target audience is a vital part because the tone and content of your article will be based on them. The content needs to be focused on what will be their point of view (POV) when they read your article so that you can easily make them choose your side.
3. An Editorial Writer must be updated to new issues especially political issues so that we can focus on current events, trends that are being discussed on a senate hearing or anything about political events of the Philippines especially to high rank positions like the Secretaries from different Departments, the Cabinets, Vice President and President. An updated editorial writer can give a fresh perspective and opinion towards the topic, he/she can also adapt the certain writing styles that helps them to make their article more effective and impactful to its target audience.
4. Always remember that to every categories like editorial writing, coherence is a must. If you start with a compelling lead paragraph, you must also finish with a compelling conclusion while for the body of the paragraph, structure your piece by showing the argument to be logical. Coherence is essential in editorial writing because it ensures that the ideas flow logically and are easily understood by the reader. When an editorial is coherent, it presents a clear argument or viewpoint, helping readers/judges to follow the reasoning and engage with the argument. This clarity enhances credibility and persuasiveness, making it more likely that the audience will consider the writer’s perspective seriously. Without organization, the message can become confusing, leading to confusion and weakening the overall impact of the piece.
5. Do not forget to use evidences and examples that strongly agree to your argument. An editorial article advocates its reader to choose his/her side. For it to happen, evidence and examples from daily life situations are sometimes being used by the writer to push his/her argument.
6. When you are at the Press Conference for example, do tell if what does the judge wants to side but if he/she did not tell, always choose the negative one because nowadays, even news reports are mostly negative and those are more catchy and entertaining especially when it comes to political events.
7. Do not forget counterarguments, it is the brain of every editorial article that makes it functional. Moreover, a counterargument answers everything, the writer’s POV, its argument and what the article tells us. It is the part where every question is being answered. Does the argument contradict? What will be its impact? What should I do? How can I help? Is there a better solution?
In general, we are all political animals that empower our society but always choose to be a good person that advocates for the better of our society. An editorial writer chooses the bad side of a topic but does the good side of the solution.
About the Author
Cahrl Jayson Reyes is a 7-year feature writer who has passion to inspire co-journalists. Currently a feature writer and a publisher of a school publication. [Among Charl’s accolades as of writing is him becoming a Regional Schools Press Conference (RSPC) Qualifier in ScieTech Writing, and Division Schools Press Conference (DSPC) qualifier in Feature Writing.]
