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.
recurring cleaning service Mundelein ..How would you like to have your name and web... Read More
I've been involved in publishing for over a decade now... Read More
Thanks to recent information that leaked by Google within their... Read More
Speak to an Audience that Reaches across the GlobeAs a... Read More
The first twenty-five words of your article are the most... Read More
MS: Shelley, you're an excellent person to talk to about... Read More
Some six weeks ago, I began writing and submitting articles... Read More
Every webmaster knows that to gain ranking positions in search... Read More
Not writing articles yet? You really should try it, if... Read More
Most Internet marketers worth their salt know how effective articles... Read More
Writing for websites -- content, as it is called --... Read More
I'm betting that that 3 out of 4 of you... Read More
One great benefit of article marketing is the generation of... Read More
This may come as a surprise... to you, but writing... Read More
Are you short of ideas? There are times when we... Read More
Heard about article marketing but not sure why you'd need... Read More
I was busiy submitting some articles I ghost wrote for... Read More
You've got to start somewhere, but once you've created your... Read More
Many internet home business owners today have learnt that one... Read More
One of the most effective (and free!) ways to get... Read More
Writing articles is one of the best and most effective... Read More
You, too, can become a recognized expert in your specialized... Read More
Are you looking for a better way to promote your... Read More
How are you marketing your articles? As a writer prospecting... Read More
It's stunning sometimes how far article marketing has come over... Read More
tidy up service Buffalo Grove ..If you are not creating articles for your website and... Read More
I've been involved in publishing for over a decade now... Read More
Do you know the difference between simultaneous article submissions and... Read More
Are you ready to become an internet marketing expert? Are... Read More
I have seen the question asked so many times. How... Read More
Recently I interviewed Kevin Bidwell of All-In-One-Business.com on some of... Read More
Writing can be fraught at the best of times but... Read More
A Consultant could be an expert about absolutely anything.Calling yourself... Read More
Start by Being QuotableIt's tough to stand out online. With... Read More
How many times have you read the following? If you... Read More
Your author bio is a vital part of your article... Read More
Yesterday I met a 13-year old boy with a devilish... Read More
Online readers love information, but be sure your information is... Read More
There is no doubt that Spam has affected online business... Read More
How is it possible to turn an idea into the... Read More
As of July 1st, the year was half over! July... Read More
Writing articles for online newsletters and websites can be a... Read More
In order to sell your article must do three things:1.... Read More
Advertisements are one of the biggest indicators of a magazine's... Read More
If you market online, whether it be your own information... Read More
Never before in the history of the business of writing... Read More
This may come as a surprise... to you, but writing... Read More
Writing articles is by far the most effective online promotion... Read More
Lets face it people use articles to send traffic to... Read More
This is Part 2 of a 2 part article -... Read More
Article Writing |