Note to the class from speaker Jo-Ann Armao

Rosemary:
Thank you for the invite to the class. I always find it interesting to hear
the questions and concerns of a different generation. In thinking about my
presentation, I fear I might have given short shrift to the writing part of
editorials. It goes without saying that it is the writing where everything
comes together and that often is the toughest part.

It's important that the writer really know what it is he or she wants to say.
There can be no throat-clearing. Some find it useful to write a headline
first. That really focuses your thinking. The lead, just as in straight
reporting, is the hardest to write. It has to be forceful and state clearly
what the whole piece is about. The second graph is generally considered the
background section. When providing background, the writer should also not
be afraid to infuse opinion.

The rest of the piece is arguments to buttress the lead. Unlike news
stories, it is important to have a kicker that sums up and makes a final
statement.

One final word: be careful with adjectives. They can be powerful friends
but some, like shameful, are overrused and trite.

Cheers
Jo-Ann