How to write short, sharp opinion pieces that persuade.
Opinion pieces, or op-eds, can be a powerful tool to shift the debate, get your message across to a large audience and establish yourself as a thought-leader. But only if you take a strong stand, keep your focus and write clearly, concisely and convincingly. Want to learn how to write op-eds?
What you'll learn
In this workshop we’ll teach you how to write punchy op-eds and pitch them to the media.
This workshop will give you practical tips on how to write succinct, timely and original opinion pieces that grab readers quickly and don’t let them go. We’ll also advise on how to get your op-ed published so you can position you or your organisation as a thought-leader.
Like all our courses, it is based on practice, not theory. So we’ll look at lots of examples of good, bad and ugly op-eds and analyse what makes them work or not. And we’ll get you writing op-eds and give constructive feedback on ones you’ve already written.
Programme
Op-Ed Writing
1
Preparing your op-ed
- Be opinionated: strong messages, declarative statements, backed by evidence
- Be original: find a unique angle; dare to be bold and go against the grain
- Be timely: find a newsy hook or peg
2
Structuring your op-ed
- Crafting eye-catching headlines
- Writing punchy lead paragraphs
- Set out the problem, offer a solution
- Finish with a flourish
3
Writing your op-ed
- Storytelling tools that hook the reader: making it personal, adding colour, acting as an eyewitness.
- Rhetorical devices that persuade: repetition, contrast, metaphors.
- Language that connects: short words, colloquial phrases, memorable lines
4
Publishing your op-ed
- Self-publishing op-eds online
- Pitching op-eds to the media
What's included?
- 100% practical training, working off your op-eds
- Tailored to your needs, with no off-the-shelf slide decks
- In-person or online - whichever suits you
- Delivered by experienced trainers who’ve written op-eds for top publications
- Workshops whenever you want, wherever you are
- Flexible duration: One day, multiple days? You decide
- Course handouts and supporting materials
Potential add-ons:
- Use of our beautiful training facilities in Brussels
- Attendance certificates
- Follow-up: One-on-one sessions with feedback on op-eds
- Op-ed writing and thought leadership content
Is this course for you?
This course is designed for anyone who wants their opinions to reach a wider audience.
Whether you’re a politician, policy officer, business leader, communication professional or media spokesperson this course will teach you how to write op-eds and thought leadership pieces that make an impact.
It can be adapted to all levels of experience depending on your organisation’s needs.
Meet our trainers
Our experienced trainers bring decades of hands-on crisis communication expertise.
For this course, your trainer will be either Gareth Harding or Rhea Wessel, highly experienced former journalists who have written op-eds for some of the world’s most prestigious publications.
The Clear Europe team, alongside your trainer, will collaborate closely with you to customise the training, provide ongoing support and offer practical follow-up.
Testimonials
What our clients say
FAQs
Curious about how we work?
Check our FAQ to find out everything you need to know about organising a training with us.
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