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.
professional maid services Deerfield ..It is a well-known fact that a key to obtaining... Read More
Finding something to write about can be frustrating for all... Read More
By avoiding these common mistakes, you will greatly improve your... Read More
There is no doubt that Spam has affected online business... Read More
Increase your ezine subscribers by submitting articles once or twice... Read More
You have decided on a great idea and researched a... Read More
Article marketing works like this. The majority of webmasters are... Read More
Understanding the rules of correct formatting for online articles will... Read More
You want your business to be noticed by thousands daily.... Read More
By now you probably understand how important writing for trade... Read More
Here's a depressing fact if you sell anything on the... Read More
Rule number one - You must write ezine articles and... Read More
Have you ever seen articles that are not only related... Read More
As you write the outline for your next article, there... Read More
If you haven't considered the power of articles as part... Read More
Back when I was in college, I belonged to one... Read More
It has become common knowledge that the smartest and most... Read More
When writing articles for publication, it is important that you... Read More
Original quotes, when used at the beginning or at the... Read More
I have a confession to make.I think in "articles."As a... Read More
Every webmaster knows that to gain ranking positions in search... Read More
Writing articles is one of the best ways to get... Read More
There are times when I want to write an article... Read More
1. Choose A Topic.You need to choose either a hot... Read More
Write articles, be recognized as an expert, drive a surge... Read More
quick home cleaning Lake Forest ..If you are starving for traffic, can't seem to consistently... Read More
A Consultant could be an expert about absolutely anything.Calling yourself... Read More
One of the most tried and true methods of self-promotion... Read More
If you want to really make your article "SELL" then... Read More
Currently many online writers and would-be online writers, feel very... Read More
How would you like to have your name and web... Read More
You, too, can become a recognized expert in your specialized... Read More
Two important factors that play a part in the rankings... Read More
You're Invited... Visualize your article going out like a party... Read More
You know that writing articles is the best free way... Read More
Find definitions from Q to Z... ~~~~~~~~~~~ Q ~~~~~~~~~~~ Query... Read More
It is important for all webmasters to realize that if... Read More
Write articles, be recognized as an expert, drive a surge... Read More
Every webmaster knows that to gain ranking positions in search... Read More
Queries are not written like business letters or emails; they... Read More
The biggest challenge facing any online business today is how... Read More
One of the best ways to promote your website is... Read More
Have you ever wondered why Ezine Articles have become one... Read More
Increase your ezine subscribers by submitting articles once or twice... Read More
This is Part 2 of a 2 part article -... Read More
Have you ever seen articles that are not only related... Read More
There are many ancient writings, which dive into the importance... Read More
No one can logically argue against the fact that content... Read More
Your publicity dreams may include being featured in Forbes, Fortune,... Read More
There's one key rule that every writer should understand before... Read More
Article Writing |