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.
no-contract cleaning service Mundelein ..When you frequently post articles on ezines, you might be... Read More
You, too, can become a recognized expert in your specialized... Read More
By avoiding these common mistakes, you will greatly improve your... Read More
Submitting articles once or twice a week can yield 15... Read More
Find definitions from A to G! ~~~~~~~~~~~ A ~~~~~~~~~~~ About... Read More
I am often approached and asked, how do I write... Read More
I have a confession to make.I think in "articles."As a... Read More
Okay, I admit it: I'm a keen people-watcher. (Most writers... Read More
What should be in your article summary? It's otherwise known... Read More
You know that writing articles is the best free way... Read More
I'm betting that that 3 out of 4 of you... Read More
You have decided on a great idea and researched a... Read More
Article marketing has become very popular of late, especially with... Read More
Advertisements are one of the biggest indicators of a magazine's... Read More
I've been blogging occasionally over the last two months about... Read More
In order to sell your article must do three things:1.... Read More
Article marketing is becoming more and more popular, especially as... Read More
A simple technique to increase web site traffic is using... Read More
So you've decided to market your home-based copywriting business through... Read More
There is some wisdom in saying that when you are... Read More
Recycling your work is a lot like doing your part... Read More
Heard about article marketing but not sure why you'd need... Read More
Everyone focuses their web marketing efforts on search engines, and... Read More
If you are using articles to promote your business then... Read More
Articles are a fantastic source of links and additional traffic... Read More
maid service near Glenview ..One of the most common blunders by those using article... Read More
Find definitions from A to G! ~~~~~~~~~~~ A ~~~~~~~~~~~ About... Read More
You've got to start somewhere, but once you've created your... Read More
Never before in the history of the business of writing... Read More
By default, Microsoft Word automatically changes straight quotation marks (... Read More
There are many ancient writings, which dive into the importance... Read More
It is a well known fact that writing, distributing and... Read More
When you have to share what you've created, where do... Read More
Article marketing works like this. The majority of webmasters are... Read More
Are you looking for a better way to promote your... Read More
[Disclosure: I went into ezinearticles.com very innocently. I... Read More
It's no secret-link exchanges are dying a painful death. And... Read More
If you're sick of being #987 for your best Google... Read More
Often all the Web Surfer will see is your title,... Read More
I am often approached and asked, how do I write... Read More
Are you ready to become an internet marketing expert? Are... Read More
1. Participate in chat rooms related to your targeted audience.... Read More
Writing dozens, hundreds or even thousands of articles and making... Read More
Last month, I began promoting Jason Potash's "Article Announcer." I... Read More
One great benefit of article marketing is the generation of... Read More
A huge problem for many people who are working on... Read More
Why do so many internet marketers waste their time on... Read More
Have you ever wondered why Ezine Articles have become one... Read More
For me, to decide to start a home business was... Read More
There's a new sort of ghost stalking the digital landscape.They... Read More
Article Writing |