A good editorial is a clear and concise opinion piece that engages readers from start to finish. It should be a compelling read, leaving the reader with a feeling of enlightenment or empowerment and a desire to act on what was learned.
Editorials significantly shape public opinion and policy-making, promoting societal advancements and stimulating democratic dialogue. They do so by illuminating complex issues, encouraging informed discussion and empowering citizens to contribute to society. They also serve as a model for other forms of media such as news stories and investigative reporting.
To be successful, an editorial should start with a catchy question, interesting statistics, facts or quotes and a bold statement of the publication’s stance on the issue. It should then address possible counterarguments and provide supporting evidence to back up its stance. It should also present a solution that is both viable and realistic. A good editorial should not be biased or promote one particular side over another, but rather present the facts and allow readers to decide for themselves.
A good editorial should be written with a contemporary audience in mind and avoid using technical terms or jargon. It should also be balanced in its analysis of events and conflicting viewpoints and stand in contrast to the crotchety, crusty rantings of columnists. It should also be objective in its analysis of facts and rebut the falsehoods that are so prevalent in the media. It should strive to be the ‘Materials and Methods’ section of a research paper in that it presents the results of an investigation of the information available and attempts to reconcile differing perspectives.