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.
expert residential cleaners Lincolnshire ...The first twenty-five words of your article are the most... Read More
There is no doubt that Spam has affected online business... Read More
Often all the Web Surfer will see is your title,... Read More
It is amazing to see how much we all still... Read More
Writing can be fraught at the best of times but... Read More
Online writing is really self-publishing made easier and potentially much... Read More
Not doing what, you ask.Writing and submitting articles.Writing articles is... Read More
If you have writing skills and want to use your... Read More
We all know that article writing is a great way... Read More
By default, Microsoft Word automatically changes straight quotation marks (... Read More
As of July 1st, the year was half over! July... Read More
If you are starving for traffic, can't seem to consistently... Read More
Sometimes when I am communicating with other webmasters and I... Read More
Are you a reluctant marketer for your book? Do you... Read More
How does a writing agency market itself effectively in a... Read More
Write articles, be recognized as an expert, drive a surge... Read More
If you are going to be writing articles to promote... Read More
Online readers love information, but be sure your information is... Read More
Are you looking for a better way to promote your... Read More
When you have to share what you've created, where do... Read More
Looking to build your freelance writing career but don't know... Read More
Being an Internet Article Author is far and away the... Read More
A "Thought Leader" is someone recognized as an authority in... Read More
In today's busy world, whether your business is large or... Read More
Don't let overwhelm hold you back- follow this expert advice... Read More
move out cleaning service Northbrook ..."But I've only been on the Internet 3 months! How... Read More
By now you probably understand how important writing for trade... Read More
Writing articles is by far the most effective online promotion... Read More
If you haven't considered the power of articles as part... Read More
SEO writing is very different from content writing, article writing,... Read More
MS: John, you must be one of the most prolific... Read More
The Shortest Distance to Your Home Town Enterprise is Over... Read More
Writing and distributing articles on the internet is one of... Read More
MS: Bob, how important have Ezine Articles been in achieving... Read More
Writing articles is possibly the best way to generated free... Read More
Having an article published is one of the fastest and... Read More
Many internet home business owners today have learnt that one... Read More
The Most Economical Way to Advertise online is to Submit... Read More
You have decided on a great idea and researched a... Read More
Many writers do not understand that the online writing business... Read More
The traditional print media newsletter is still useful even in... Read More
Publicity?you're business can survive without it, but it certainly won't... Read More
This has to be the number one thing that most... Read More
Are you a reluctant marketer for your book? Do you... Read More
You may be wondering what persuasive writing has to do... Read More
As we prepared to move our 12,000 article database from... Read More
Earlier, I published part 1 of this series, which contained... Read More
If you are not creating articles for your website and... Read More
A Consultant could be an expert about absolutely anything.Calling yourself... Read More
I recently became aware that promoting your web site in... Read More
Article Writing |