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Letters to the Editor... Reach a large audience. Are often monitored by elected officials. Bring up information not addressed in a news article. Before Writing your letter to the Editor: Check to find out how many words will be published in the paper to ensure that important points may not be edited to shorten your letter to fit within any limits. How to write Letters to the Editor: Keep it short to the point and address only one topic. Make it legible, and check your spelling. Be sure to include your contact information, generally not included in the actual artical. Some papers will only print letters that refer to articals in their paper. If this is the case be certain to write considering past articals that have to do with your content, including the "Date/Title/Author" within your letter. |
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How to Submit an Article to the Op-Ed Page (opposite editorial) (opinion pages)
Check to see your papers offer on this and regulations. Generally run between 500 and 700 words. Tips on writing an op-ed: Use short, simple sentences. To explicity support or oppose something. Personalize with the account of an incident or event. Link the op-ed to a current news story. Example Outline: Present your main point. Main point by the second paragraph. Elaborate on 2 - 3, supporting points following this. Keep paragraphs short containing one main idea. Use facts to support your idea. Final paragraph should bring the piece together and conclude with the beginning information. |
Before calling: Practice debating with family or friends, using opposing views to a subject. Write down main points before going on the air. Call early, if the line is busy, keep trying. You may speak to a screener first. Use a clear, one-sentence pitch. On the air, be cheerful and get right to the point. To deflect unfair comments/questions respond with a direct posistion, "What's really crucial here are the lives of our childern..." Keep them on track with the importantance of the topic. |
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Speaking engagements: Speak with passion Know (study) your audience to be certain that what you are saying is relevant to them, and their community. Know (study) your topic Have a clear objective Explain what is at stake Give examples of how your issue has affected and will affect people. Keep your topic in perspective Give others the opportunity & know how to get involved. |
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How To Give A Local Television Interview Tips: Wear conservative clothing. Be well groomed. Use "natural" toned foundation on your forehead, cheeks, nose and chin. For a backdrop, keep it natural. Use plants or posters. During the Interview: Do not use a swivel chair. Do not fidget. Keep your gaze steady. Stick to one or two points. Keep it simple Remain calm. Thank your interviewer, or Local Television person for allowing you to interview. |
Matthew 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
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