How to Write an Editorial, Letter, Speech, or Proposal


Letters, speeches, editorials, or proposals

Letters, speeches, editorials, or proposals are designed to convince their audiences that certain actions are needed. In that respect, they are much like persuasive essays.

  • Consider your audience: Who is listening or reading? Consider their beliefs, values, and attitude and be sure to use appropriate tone and reading level. Do not alienate them! For example, do not begin by criticizing the actions of the agency or organization you are trying to persuade. Do not use obscenities or slang or wild assumptions that make people dismiss your ideas.

  • Introduction: Your letter, speech, or proposal should have a clear introduction that outlines the problem and the need for action.

  • Body: Supporting details provide evidence of the problem and suggest a solution. This section of your writing should include examples of the problem and the reasons action is needed.

  • Conclusion: End with a convincing explanation of the value of your solution and the need for action.


Persuasive Writing

Persuasive Writing should be based on concrete evidence and strong supporting reasons. It is also designed to persuade readers to support a certain position or convince them to do something. Some of the techniques you have read about in Detecting Bias may be useful in persuasive writing. Be careful not to be excessive when writing to persuade; you may irritate your audience-and get no response or, worse, a negative response.

  • Selection and omission: When you are writing to persuade, you do not have to use all the information at your disposal. For example, if you have some information that does not support your proposal, leave it out! Perhaps you are writing to your school board to convince them not to use pesticides on your school grounds. You have discovered that the pesticide used is manufactured by a local company that will lose business without the contract to the school board. You do not need to use that information. Instead, concentrate on the prevailing issue, which is the negative environmental impact and possible health risks to children.

  • Emotional language: You are trying to convince your audience. Feel free to play on their feelings! Just be sure not to sound irrational or you may lose credibility.

  • Convincing arguments: When you think about your audience, think about what might influence them. Public opinion? Losing or making money? Sustainability? Ideology? Use whatever works!

  • Headlines, photos, videos, and quotations from authorities or celebrities might be helpful.