Columns are articles or services written for newspapers, magazines, newsletters and other publications. They can be published periodically or once. Although they are still considered a form of journalism, the language of the columns tends to be less formal and aimed at a specific audience. Use these tips to learn how to write a column.
Steps
Method 1 of 1: Write your own address book
Step 1. Find the purpose of the address book
- Inform readers. The columns can convey information, knowledge and experience. For example, the sections on “how to do something” and those of advice.
- Convince people. Activists, politicians and administrators write columns to support a political, professional, institutional or other cause.
- Entertain the audience. Certain columns have no other purpose than to make people laugh or reflect on the ironic aspects of life.
Step 2. Establish the general content of your address book
- Write the column starting from your personal experiences, your knowledge or your training.
- Use your observations as starting points.
- Do research to create your address books. Use the opinions of other experts.
Step 3. Choose your audience and speak their language
- Choose an audience based on specific characteristics, such as age, ethnicity, social status or level of education.
- Model your audience among the members of a specific industry or profession. Many columns are aimed at lawyers, doctors, computer scientists, writers, salespeople and others.
- Target people in a specific geographic area.
Step 4. Choose the structure of your address book
- Teach your audience to complete tasks or projects in a DIY column. provide precise instructions so they can do or create something.
- Provide explanations on a topic or person with conversational columns: questions and answers.
- Share stories, opinions or ideas via a personal address book, similar to an article or letter.
Step 5. Build a consistent style for your address book
Readers are very keen on the coherence of the author.
- Maintain a stable tone. Avoid being funny if you usually have a serious tone. Avoid being serious if you tend to be humorous or sarcastic.
- Target your readers with a consistent style. Use similar terms, phrases, and structures in each rubric.
- Write in the same tense in each column. For example, always use the present or first person singular.
Step 6. Stay focused when writing a column
As much as the arguments may change, the general argument should always remain the same.
Step 7. Review and correct your address book
Be very picky. Make corrections that improve it, enhance your writing and provide greater clarity to the reader.
Step 8. Meet all deadlines
It is essential to meet deadlines and prepare the columns in time for publication. Your address book will be discarded if it is not sent in time.
Advice
- Read other columns to get ideas.
- Be concrete when writing a column. Columns can express personal opinions and views; however, never invent information for an address book.
