Mastering Column Writing: Tips and Techniques

A column is one of the most distinctive and influential forms of writing in print journalism. Unlike a standard news report that delivers facts objectively, a column gives a writer the space to share their personal perspective, argue a point of view, and connect with readers on a deeper level. It is where journalism meets personality. Whether the topic is politics, social trends, economics, or everyday life, column writing demands a blend of strong opinion, solid evidence, and a voice readers want to come back to. Let’s break down what makes a column work and how you can write one that truly resonates.

What is a column and how is it different from a news story? 🔗

A column in journalism is a recurring article in a newspaper, magazine, or online publication where a writer expresses their own opinion on a topic. The author of a column is called a columnist. Columns can take many forms – narratives, essays, commentary, reviews, or even humour pieces. What sets them apart from news articles is subjectivity. A news report follows the “5 Ws and 1 H” (Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How) and aims for objectivity. A column, on the other hand, is driven by the writer’s analysis, interpretation, and personal voice.

According to the University of Missouri Extension, a column is not a news article, but it is news. It generally answers the “why” and “how” behind events. It is personal, often written using first and second person (“I” and “you”), and it states an opinion. It also has a standard heading (the column title) and a byline at the top, which become the columnist’s identity over time.

Another key distinction is that columns differ from editorials. An editorial represents the official position of the publication’s editorial board and is typically unsigned. A column, however, represents the viewpoint of the individual writing it. It does not speak for the newspaper as a whole – just one perspective the publication considers worth sharing.

The foundation of great column writing: voice and niche 🔗

If there’s one element that separates a forgettable column from a memorable one, it’s voice. Your voice is your writing personality – the combination of your tone, style, word choices, and perspective that makes your work uniquely yours. As the Reynolds Center for Business Journalism puts it, column writing is not news writing. It is storytelling, persuasion, and explanation, all conveyed through distinctive writing not found elsewhere in the publication.

Developing your voice takes time and consistent practice. It comes from reading widely, writing regularly, and being willing to take a stand. A columnist who straddles the fence on every issue will not hold readers’ attention. Readers follow columnists because they trust, enjoy, or are provoked by a particular perspective.

Finding your niche 🔗

Along with voice, having a clear niche or subject area is essential. While some generalist columnists can write about anything, most successful columnists build their reputation within a specific beat – politics, technology, sports, personal finance, food, local community issues, and so on. A niche works in two ways: it builds your expertise and it builds a dedicated audience. Someone passionate about urban planning, for example, will actively seek out columnists who write thoughtfully on that subject. Your niche is essentially your brand as a writer.

Types of columns in journalism 🔗

Columns are not one-size-fits-all. Different types serve different purposes and appeal to different audiences. Here are the major categories:

Opinion or “I Think” columns are the most common type. Here, the columnist sets themselves up as an informed voice and shares their analysis on current events, public policy, social issues, or cultural trends. These require a strong point of view backed by facts and logical arguments.

Political columns have a long tradition of providing partisan viewpoints, sharp analysis, and even satire. As noted by Wikipedia’s overview of periodical columns, columns became widespread in American newspapers in the 1920s when readers, overwhelmed by the volume of news, began wanting journalists to offer their own commentary and interpretation of events.

Sports columns go beyond play-by-play reporting. They analyse patterns across games, discuss controversies like doping or concussions, and offer broader perspective on the sports world.

Advice columns provide guidance on specific topics. The columnist is usually an expert in a field – a lawyer explaining estate law, a mechanic discussing car maintenance, or a personal relationship advisor. The famous “Dear Abby” column is a classic example.

Humour columns try to find the funny side of life and current events. Good humour columnists can spotlight an issue more effectively than thousands of words of serious analysis. They provide comic relief while still making a point.

Local columns blend human interest stories, community news, and local politics. These columnists are often well-known community members with insider knowledge, and their work strengthens the bond between a publication and its readers.

Report-in-depth columns take current news events and provide background information, historical perspective, and future projections. They go beyond the headline to explain context.

The anatomy of a well-written column 🔗

Every effective column follows a clear structure, even if the style feels casual and conversational. Think of it in three parts: the introduction (or lead), the body, and the conclusion (or kicker).

The introduction: hook your reader 🔗

The opening of your column is everything. If it doesn’t grab the reader in the first few lines, they’ll move on. A strong introduction can take several forms: a striking statistic, a provocative question, a bold statement, or a brief anecdote that sets up your argument. The introduction’s job is to establish the topic and make the reader care about it immediately.

The Elon University Writers Syndicate advises columnists to limit themselves to one subject per column and get to the point fast. Most newspaper columns run between 600 and 800 words, so there’s no room for a slow build-up.

The body: build your case 🔗

The body is where you deliver on the promise of your introduction. This is not just a space for opinions – it’s where you build an argument supported by evidence. Effective body paragraphs use a combination of:

Supporting data and facts: Statistics, research findings, or official reports that strengthen your position. This is what separates a professional column from mere ranting.

Anecdotes and real-life examples: Stories about real people and situations make abstract arguments concrete and relatable. As the MU Extension guide notes, you should try to tell stories through the experiences of people – it gives your writing much stronger impact.

Expert quotes and references: Letting authoritative voices speak through your column adds credibility. It also provides variety in your writing.

A common and effective format, as described in several journalism education resources, is: Lead (provide background), Nut (state your opinion), Body (present arguments and evidence), and Conclusion (wrap up with a strong takeaway).

The conclusion: leave a lasting impression 🔗

Never let your column simply trail off. The conclusion – sometimes called the “kicker” – is your last chance to make an impact. A great ending doesn’t just repeat what you already said. Instead, it can circle back to the opening anecdote with a new layer of meaning, offer a final powerful insight, issue a challenge to the reader, or end on a memorable line that lingers after the page is turned.

The conclusion should reflect the columnist’s unique perspective on the topic. It is the “so what?” of the entire piece – the rewarding insight that justifies the reader’s time.

Practical tips and techniques for writing better columns 🔗

Mastering column writing is a craft that improves with deliberate practice. Here are key techniques drawn from experienced columnists and journalism educators.

Have something to say 🔗

This sounds obvious, but it’s the most common failure point. A column must have a clear point of view. As veteran columnist E.J. Montini of the Arizona Republic once observed, anybody can be a columnist for two weeks – after that, they run out of things to say. Before you write, ask yourself: What is my argument? What new perspective am I offering? If you don’t have a clear answer, you’re not ready to write.

Use plain, conversational language 🔗

The Elon University guide to opinion writing emphasises using conversational language and avoiding jargon. Your readers are not always specialists in your field. Write short sentences. Use the active voice. Keep paragraphs tight – ideally no more than two to three sentences each. The goal is clarity, not complexity.

Be timely and specific 🔗

A column needs a “peg” – the reason you are writing this particular piece right now. Is it tied to a breaking news event, a new study, a recent trend, or a cultural moment? A column without a timely hook feels random. Equally important: be specific. Don’t write broadly about “the problem with education.” Write about one specific policy decision in your city and what it reveals about broader priorities.

Show, don’t just tell 🔗

Strong verbs are more powerful than adjectives. Illustrate your points with anecdotes, descriptions, and concrete examples rather than just stating abstract opinions. A column about food insecurity hits harder when it tells the story of a specific family rather than citing statistics alone.

Acknowledge opposing views 🔗

The strongest columns briefly address counterarguments and offer a rebuttal. This doesn’t weaken your position – it strengthens it by showing you’ve considered the issue from multiple angles. Ignoring opposing views makes your writing seem one-sided and less credible.

Offer solutions, not just complaints 🔗

Pointing out problems is easy. Offering thoughtful, specific solutions is what separates a valuable column from a mere rant. Readers turn to columns for insight and direction. If you criticise a policy, propose an alternative. If you highlight a problem, suggest a path forward.

Write consistently and read widely 🔗

Column writing is a skill that gets sharper with regular exercise. Write on a consistent schedule. Read columns across different subjects – politics, lifestyle, sports, business – and study what makes them work. Pay attention to structure, evidence, and voice. Ask yourself why one column held your attention and another didn’t.

The role of columns in enriching print media 🔗

Columns play a vital role in the journalism ecosystem. They are what give a publication its personality and character. While news reports inform readers about events, columns help them understand what those events mean. They provide context, interpretation, and diverse perspectives on everything from political predicaments to social and economic issues.

Columns also foster a unique relationship between writer and audience. Because a column appears regularly – daily, weekly, or monthly – in the same section of the publication, readers develop a sense of familiarity and trust with the columnist. This regularity, combined with a consistent byline and often a photo, creates a personal connection that other forms of journalism rarely achieve.

For the publication itself, strong columnists are a competitive advantage. Historically, as the history of newspaper columns shows, newspapers employed opinionated columnists to distinguish themselves from competitors. In the column’s “golden age” of the 1930s and 1940s, columnists were among the most popular features in any paper. Today, even as print media has shifted heavily online, the column format thrives – on news websites, blogs, newsletters, and platforms like Substack.

Common mistakes to avoid 🔗

Even experienced writers stumble with column writing. Here are pitfalls to watch for:

Overloading with detail: A column should stimulate interest in a subject, not exhaust it. Keep your focus tight and your writing concise.

Being too vague: General observations without specific examples, names, or data feel hollow. Ground your arguments in concrete reality.

Ignoring your audience: Always consider who you’re writing for. Write in their language, at their level, about things they need or want to know.

Missing deadlines: Consistency is non-negotiable. A columnist who misses deadlines loses both editorial trust and reader loyalty.

Repeating yourself: If you find yourself making the same argument column after column, it’s time to find a fresh angle or broaden your perspective.

What do you think? Can a column truly change someone’s mind on an important issue, or do readers mostly seek out columnists who confirm their existing views? What qualities do you value most in a columnist you follow regularly?

References

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Column_(periodical)
2. https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/cm360
3. https://businessjournalism.org/2014/04/the-art-of-column-writing/
4. https://www.elon.edu/u/writers-syndicate/writing-opinion-columns/
5. https://www.studocu.com/ph/document/mariano-marcos-state-university/bsed-english/column-writing-basics-journalism/112984313