Editorial writing

Summary

This video tutorial, led by Andrew Johnson, offers a comprehensive guide to writing editorials. It covers the evolution of editorials, their purpose, and the various types, such as explanatory, persuasive, and commending editorials. The tutorial emphasizes the importance of research, audience consideration, and effective structuring—starting with a strong hook, presenting arguments clearly, and concluding with a compelling message. The speaker highlights different approaches to editorial writing, blending techniques from experts like Ken Riter and Alan Wi Trout. By the end of the video, viewers should be equipped to write impactful editorials for various purposes.

Takeaways

• 😀 Editorials are meant to present an authoritative, well-researched argument on a significant issue.
• 😀 Traditional editorials were the voice of a newspaper, expressing its stance on important matters, but today editorials exist in various formats online (e.g., blogs, tweets).
• 😀 The purpose of an editorial is to persuade, criticize, or encourage action while engaging the audience through well-reasoned arguments.
• 😀 Writing an editorial requires careful planning: selecting a topic, deciding on an angle, and researching before drafting.
• 😀 The most common types of editorials are: explaining or interpreting new ideas, criticizing or persuading towards alternatives, and praising or commending decisions.
• 😀 A key editorial type involves critiquing current policies and offering alternatives, such as the example of New Zealand's flag debate in 2015-2016.
• 😀 Another common editorial approach is praising or commending a person or decision, showing why it was the right path.
• 😀 Editorials may also mark significant events (e.g., royal visits, deaths of famous people) or entertain through satire and humor.
• 😀 When writing an editorial, make sure to hook your audience immediately, present facts, refute opposing arguments, and end with a strong conclusion.
• 😀 Planning is essential: Consider your purpose and audience, use deliberate language, and structure your arguments logically to make a compelling case.

Q & A

What is the purpose of this video tutorial?

The purpose of the video tutorial is to provide an introduction to writing editorials, helping viewers understand what they are, how they work, and how to write one effectively.

How did the tutorial's content come together?

The content of the tutorial is based on combined ideas from Alen Wi Trout and Ken Riter, with modifications and additional input from the presenter, Andrew Johnson.

What was the traditional role of editorials in newspapers?

Traditionally, editorials in newspapers were considered the anonymous voice of the publication, often reflecting the stance of the editor, owners, or journalists on important issues, and they were typically serious and authoritative in tone.

How has the role of editorials changed in the digital age?

With the rise of the internet, blogs, and social media, the role of editorials has shifted away from traditional newspapers. They now appear more commonly in online formats such as blogs, tweets, and vlogs.

What is the primary purpose of writing an editorial?

The primary purpose of an editorial is to persuade the reader to think critically about an issue and potentially encourage action or change. It requires well-researched arguments and an authoritative tone.

What are the different types of editorials mentioned in the video?

The main types of editorials discussed are: 1) explain or interpret editorials, which clarify new laws or issues, 2) criticize, persuade, or reform editorials, which critique existing policies and offer alternatives, and 3) praising or commending editorials, which support decisions or individuals.

What is an example of a persuasive editorial type given in the video?

An example is the editorial written in favor of the 'Red Peak' flag during New Zealand's referendum, where the writer argues why this design was the best option and critiques the alternatives.

What is the importance of choosing the right language and tone in an editorial?

The language and tone must be appropriate for the target audience, whether formal or more engaging. For instance, the New York Times uses formal language with facts, while a student newspaper might use more casual and engaging language to connect with readers.

What are the basic steps in writing an editorial according to the video?

The steps include pre-planning (choosing a topic, angle, and doing research), writing the draft (starting with a hook, stating facts, making arguments), and polishing the draft (improving clarity, shortening, and making it more authoritative).

What advice does Ken Riter give about writing editorials?

Ken Riter emphasizes the importance of starting with a strong hook and ending with a punchy conclusion. He suggests using strong statements, quotations, or storytelling to capture attention and conclude with a memorable finish.

What approach does Alan Wi Trout suggest for writing editorials?

Alan Wi Trout focuses more on the middle section of the editorial, advocating for a structured argument. He advises presenting the issue factually, acknowledging the opposing viewpoint, and then rejecting it with a well-reasoned argument.

What is the significance of avoiding the use of 'I think' in an editorial?

Avoiding 'I think' in an editorial is important because the editorial represents the publication's authoritative voice, not the personal opinion of the writer. The editorial should present opinions as facts, making a stronger impact.