Editorials are opinion pieces that express and advance a point of view. They are an essential part of most publications, influencing readers’ opinions, steering policy-making, catalyzing democratic dialogue, and stimulating societal advancements.
Whether they aim to persuade, presenting arguments that sway reader viewpoints, or simply entertain, editorials can employ rhetorical strategies, including anecdotes, statistics, expert opinions, and emotional appeals to strengthen their arguments. They also address counterarguments to build credibility and enhance their impact, while remaining neutral on the subject matter.
They can be written by the editorial staff, or sourced from outside authors who share the publication’s values and stance on a topic. Because of their stance, editorials may not reflect the opinion of all editorial board members or readers.
The goal of an editorial is to highlight an important or controversial aspect of a medical issue. The article should begin with a compelling headline or question to grab reader attention and spark conversation, as well as a clear statement of the author’s point of view. The body of the article should include a comprehensive discussion of the topic, providing logical reasoning and evidence to support the author’s argument.
Creating an editorial strategy is crucial before getting started with this type of content. Determine your goals, how you’ll measure success, and the type of content your audience is looking for to create a plan that will set you up for long-term success. Make sure to collaborate across departments to find new perspectives that can expand your editorial content strategy.
