Make Sure Your Op-ed is a Thought-ed

You likely know the old saying about opinions.

Yes, everyone has one.

As such, having an opinion alone doesn’t necessarily make you interesting. And it certainly doesn’t distinguish you as an expert. 

This is a good thing to keep in mind when you’re considering crafting an op-ed. The best op-eds might be more accurately described as a thought-eds—writing that offers up a fresh perspective and elevates an opinion to a cohesive argument aimed at changing minds, sparking conversation, or moving people to action. 

Surely not an easy task. But made easier when you take a thoughtful approach to an op-ed. Here are three questions you should ask yourself before you start writing.

What am I aiming to achieve? When you approach an op-ed, begin with the end in mind. Are you trying to change minds? Spark conversation? Move people to action? Make sure whatever you’re writing drives toward that goal.

What makes my perspective unique? What can you share that informs your perspective in ways that sets it apart from groupthink?

How does my perspective go beyond just an opinion? A newspaper columnist I admire once said a good column “requires an idea and a half.” In other words, to be convincing you have to pivot from sharing your opinion to offering up fresh ideas or unique insights that can help spark new thinking or move people to action.

By taking this thoughtful approach, you can elevate an ordinary op-ed into something that serves a lasting purpose. 

You can download our free e-book, The Op-ed Option for our insights on writing and pitching op-eds here.