The Friday Thing #753

Thanks for all the comments last week about the tools of the trade post.

The Friday Thing #753 is going to be a short one as I redirect you to read The Washington Post guide to writing an opinion article. There is so much wisdom in this piece and not just about writing an op-ed. Occasionally, I will sit in a meeting, and someone (me included) says “ooh, that’d make a good op-ed”. Every time I hear myself say that I am going to force myself to read this post from The Post. It’s a great reminder of what it takes to publish an op-ed, at least in a major news outlet. One of my favorite tips from this piece:

• Ask yourself: What is the two- or three-sentence takeaway from this piece? Or what might the headline on this piece be? If it’s not clear, it’s not an op-ed — not yet. This is just great advice in general for any form of communication, but especially something that is trying to carry news, or make a point.

 And then this list – which could easily be applied to presentations as much as op-eds. 

 ….and then so many more tips that make for great writing in general.

•  The more complex the thought, the shorter the sentence.
• Numbers are powerful, in limited number.
• Be clear about your reasoning and thinking.
• No jargon

While I am not sure this edition of the Friday Thing, or indeed any edition, conforms to the guidance I do intend to take it to heart in my writing from now on.

That’s all for this week. Happy Friday from London-town and thanks for the tip on this one, Greg.

Cheers,

Steve