Inspirational articles were once limited to self-help and religious publications, but they are just about everywhere now. (Think about those wildly popular Chicken Soup books or most of the stories in Reader's Digest, for example.) Inspirational articles can be very useful in newsletters, because they make a human connection between the newsletter publisher and the reader.
Well-written inspirational articles move people emotionally and motivate them to do something or to make a change of some sort. Nonprofit organizations can use these articles to motivate readers to volunteer, write letters of support, or make a donation. Businesses can use inspirational articles to create a positive public image, build brand loyalty, and encourage repeat business.
Good inspirational articles have five characteristics.
1. They are personal.
Inspirational articles are all about the power of personal connections. They should include very personal stories about real people's lives. Don't shy away from the emotion, as strong and powerful feelings are central to good inspirational articles. You aren't speaking to your readers' minds with these articles; you are speaking to their hearts and souls.
2. They involve an emotional struggle or challenging decision.
Clearly describe the struggles, obstacles, or difficult choices that the people in your article have faced. How did they recognize the problem, deal with it, and overcome it?
3. They paint a scene.
Help your readers visualize what the people in your story went through. Describe the physical locations where the events took place. But don't stop there. Appeal to your readers' senses of smell, sound, taste, and touch.
4. They include a universal message.
Inspirational articles usually end with an epiphany. They enlighten us or remind us about the essential nature or meaning of some element of our daily lives. These are often very simple lessons -- the importance of family and friends, the joy in giving, the danger in stereotypes, or the value in facing our fears, for example.
5. They are true.
Your inspirational articles must always be true. It is OK to change the names or locations; just state that you have done so. Making up stories to play on your readers' emotions is unacceptable. If you are caught telling lies, you will destroy any trust your readers had in you and your organization.
What would make a good inspirational article for your organization? Think about the stories from work that you tell your friends and family. Consider interviewing a person whose life or work has changed dramatically as a result of your organization. The moments that inspire you to do the work you do will likely inspire your newsletter readers too.
? 2005, Kivi Leroux Miller. All Rights Reserved.
Kivi Leroux Miller is president of Writing911.com, which provides free writing advice, tip sheets, e-courses, and in-person workshops for people who need to write well at work. She specializes in providing guidance to nonprofit organizations on newsletters, annual reports, and other publications. Visit http://www.writing911.com to sign up for "Writing Tips," a free monthly e-newsletter that will help you improve your writing and your publications.
Airbnb cleaning service Glenview ..I am often approached and asked, how do I write... Read More
Here's a depressing fact if you sell anything on the... Read More
Article writing can be such an intimate act as you're... Read More
Advertisements are one of the biggest indicators of a magazine's... Read More
Chances are good that the next article or book you... Read More
By now you probably understand how important writing for trade... Read More
Writing articles is one of the most powerful, if not... Read More
Are you looking for a better way to promote your... Read More
Original quotes, when used at the beginning or at the... Read More
It is amazing to see how much we all still... Read More
Don't let overwhelm hold you back- follow this expert advice... Read More
Do you wonder what easy, cheap, and fast way you... Read More
Queries are not written like business letters or emails; they... Read More
Marketing on the internet can be a costly procedure, especially... Read More
Have you ever wondered why Ezine Articles have become one... Read More
In this article I will show you how to use... Read More
It is not my intention to give you a 5... Read More
One question I get asked all the time is how... Read More
Writing articles related to your business is a great way... Read More
Heard about article marketing but not sure why you'd need... Read More
By avoiding these common mistakes, you will greatly improve your... Read More
A true test for many writers that will require your... Read More
The first twenty-five words of your article are the most... Read More
It's no secret that writing and publishing helpful articles is... Read More
Want your articles to get picked up and reprinted by... Read More
efficient cleaning crew Highland Park ..Everyone that publishes a newsletter or ezine knows that the... Read More
Writing articles is one of the best ways to get... Read More
By now you probably understand how important writing for trade... Read More
One of my subscribers writes 'I can't hold my tongue... Read More
MS: John, you must be one of the most prolific... Read More
Many writers struggle with the decision of whether or not... Read More
When you have to share what you've created, where do... Read More
Ready to jump on the keyword article bandwagon? Billions of... Read More
Article marketing has become very popular of late, especially with... Read More
Content is an important component of your web site. Learning... Read More
I am sure that there would have been a moment... Read More
"Ten Tips" articles are the easiest piece to write because... Read More
Writing a great deal of articles myself, I see a... Read More
Find definitions from Q to Z... ~~~~~~~~~~~ Q ~~~~~~~~~~~ Query... Read More
Not writing articles yet? You really should try it, if... Read More
Want your articles to get picked up and reprinted by... Read More
What's the quickest, easiest way to get exposure for your... Read More
Yesterday I met a 13-year old boy with a devilish... Read More
Take a look around the Web and you'll find thousands... Read More
Are you a reluctant marketer for your book? Do you... Read More
Find definitions from A to G! ~~~~~~~~~~~ A ~~~~~~~~~~~ About... Read More
Writing quality articles is time consuming for the very best... Read More
What's the most powerful marketing technique on the Web? Search... Read More
You're Invited... Visualize your article going out like a party... Read More
In today's busy world, whether your business is large or... Read More
Article Writing |