Whether it’s to bring your research to a wider audience, influence policy-makers or inspire the general public, an opinion piece is a great way to share your ideas with the world. But how do you write an opinion piece that makes an impact?
An opinion article, also known as an op-ed (meaning ‘opposite the editorial page’), is an essay that states your opinions about a topic. It is often based on your own experience, research and knowledge, but can also be inspired by current events or issues.
The goal of an opinion piece is to make a persuasive argument, using facts and figures. To do this, your writing needs to be clear and concise – don’t use more words than necessary. It can help to practise explaining your point of view in conversation with someone unfamiliar with your work, to order your thoughts and identify areas where you need to clarify your words.
A good opinion article adds something new to the discussion – maybe it’s a counterintuitive view, or a fresh angle on a popular belief. It’s also important to show the value of your opinion by addressing why it matters.
Think about what your reader will care about and how you can connect it to their everyday lives. For example, you might want to write about how your research relates to climate change or pandemics, but also how it will impact their taxes, their children’s mental health or their work/life balance.