Why and how to write an opinion piece

The different opinion article formats

An opinion piece is a piece based on verifiable facts written in plain language that takes a stand on a topical or controversial issue by offering an expert perspective on issues shaking up society. There are many reasons to write an opinion piece. It can demystify research that is seen as complex by the general public. It can fill in the gaps when a scientific topic is still poorly understood. It can democratize ideas only shared within a small circle of privileged experts. It can convince those in power to make a change.

Its influence is palpable.  A 2018 study analyzing the impact of editorials circulated in the media shows that opinion pieces are an effective and cost-effective method of influencing their readers’ points of view.

An opinion piece comes in several formats:

• an op-ed: an editorial written by an expert invited by the newspaper’s editorial team, most commonly in mainstream media, to provide a clear-cut opinion on a topical issue,
• a column: an article presenting the facts, but in which the author takes a subjective view to contextualize the subject with his or her expertise,
• a perspective, comment, or correspondence published in an academic journal: a text aimed at an expert audience, presenting an argument based on the citation of scientific data.

Choosing the right format is essential. For example, an op-ed will give you the opportunity to issue an urgent call to action, while a regular column will strengthen your influence over the long term.

Four reasons to write an opinion piece

If you’re an expert or researcher who is hesitant to write an opinion piece, consider these four compelling reasons to do so.

Develop your communication skills

As a specialist, you’re best qualified to provide the information needed to understand your field of expertise. However, an opinion piece goes beyond imparting knowledge. In writing one, you’ll learn how to express complex ideas simply. This skill is valuable not only because it makes these ideas more accessible but also because it can help you see a broader perspective on your own work. The process will strengthen your writing skills and may give you some brilliant ideas!

David Spiegelhalter, head of the Winton Centre for Risk and Evidence Communication in Cambridge, has helped decipher the complex data associated with COVID-19 for the general public through a weekly column in The Guardian. In an article published in 2022, he shares the lessons he learned from his writing. “In the theatre of political combat, numbers are often weapons to beat opponents, but they should really be used to raise the quality of the debate,” he says.

Position yourself as an opinion leader

The media and their audiences consistently seek the opinion of reliable experts. Opinion columns, if relevant and carefully written, can establish you as a reference point among your peers, journalists, and the general public while highlighting your achievements and areas of expertise.

In her regular columns in Le Monde, French paleoclimatologist Valérie Masson-Delmotte draws on her expertise to take strong positions on current climate-related policies. These have helped make her an emblematic figure of climate leadership, very present in science and public opinion. In 2022, she was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people.

Bring niche and emerging concepts to a broader audience

Science grows iteratively as more knowledge is collected, but people’s opinions do not always grow as fast as the facts are gathered. Obsolete ideas can persist in people’s minds, even in academic circles. Writing opinion pieces can bring new perspectives that can reframe debates, both for the public and for your colleagues.“Honeybees becoming ‘pessimistic’ after stressful experiences; cuttlefish remembering the past and planning for the future… If scientific reports like these were accepted as evidence of consciousness [in the animal kingdom], then the implications would be substantial.” So say philosopher Kristin Andrews, economist Jonathan Birch, and environmental researcher Jeff Sebo in a perspective published in Science magazine. In this text, the experts put to their colleagues that “consciousness” within the animal realm needs a better definition if the field is to move forward in a unified way.

Change people’s hearts and minds

Scientists and experts are commonly taught that facts speak for themselves, and sharing an opinion may feel uneasy. But as Jon Favreau, chief speechwriter for former U.S. President Barack Obama, says, it’s the story that convinces. By presenting your ideas in an emotionally compelling narrative, your message will be more persuasive.

In the New York Times, Jehan Alladina, C. Corey Hardin, and Alexander Rabin, respected pulmonologists from the Universities of Massachusetts and Michigan, expressed their concerns about the policies of U.S. government agencies, which they say “censor” asthma studies. The healthcare professionals detail, with supporting evidence, why this method could be detrimental not only to research, but also to patients’ well-being. To support their argument, the researchers refer to the personal history of one of the authors, mentioning the work of his great-grandmother, which was suppressed in Soviet Russia under Joseph Stalin. “Nearly 80 years later, our work feels similarly imperilled,” the authors conclude. This narrative approach lends emotional and factual weight to their argument.

How to write a powerful opinion piece?

There are other reasons to consider putting your ideas on paper as part of an opinion piece. For instance, you might want to start a discussion in your field. Whatever your objective, when writing your article, follow these tips:

• Check that your argument is novel, current, and relevant.
• Organize your thoughts clearly and condense them as much as possible.
• Use simple language and avoid jargon.
• Give facts, but only the necessary ones.
• End with a conclusion that summarizes your position, and add a call to action or a thought-provoking statement.

An opinion piece, though short, can have a lasting impact. Whether its intent is to bring your research to a wider public, influence decision-makers, or inspire the general public, it is a powerful tool that can broaden your scientific influence.

Ready to get started? Check out our training course on writing opinion articles. This program, led by specialists, will guide you through the creation of an article, which could make you an opinion leader.