We’ve all got an opinion about virtually everything - but how can you communicate your viewpoint with originality and confidence, and in a voice that is uniquely yours? What is the difference between writing an opinion piece that’s grounded in first-hand research, and writing a regular column that draws on your life experiences?
In this insightful virtual workshop with Polly Toynbee and Tim Dowling, you will learn the key steps for getting your opinions down - and then out into the world. Our two Guardian writers will provide you with tips for developing your voice, discussing important issues, conducting research, using your lived experience in your writing and thinking about your audience.
Whether you frequently find yourself reciting funny anecdotes to friends and think that others might enjoy them, or you care very deeply about ongoing social or political issues in the world and want to communicate your thoughts, this workshop for beginners as well as established writers will help you to discover the creative and practical aspects of opinion writing, as well as how to spark a conversation.
Course Content
- The purpose of a column
- Identifying key issues to talk about
- Developing your voice and writing with authenticity
- Using your life experiences to enhance or inform your writing
- Raising important issues through your writing
- Thinking about your audience
This course is for ...
- Beginners who are interested in writing opinion pieces and want to under the creative process of writing a column
- Writers who want to learn more about developing their voice, pitching ideas and creating a conversation with their pieces
Tutor Profiles
Polly Toynbee is a columnist for the Guardian and former BBC social affairs editor. She won the Orwell prize for journalism in 1998, and was named columnist of the year at the British Press Awards in 2007. She has written and co-authored many books. Her latest book is The Lost Decade, co-written with David Walker. Read Polly’s Guardian articles here.
Tim Dowling is a journalist for the Guardian. He writes a weekly column for Weekend magazine and is the author of several books, including How to Be a Husband. Read Tim’s Guardian articles here.
Course Details
- Date: Monday 30 October 2023
- Time: 6.30pm-8.30pm (GMT)
A catch up recording will be shared after the class and will be available for two weeks.
This masterclass is available globally. If you are joining us from outside the United Kingdom, please use this time zone converter to check your local live streaming time.
6.30pm GMT | 7.30pm CET | 10.30am PDT | 1.30pm EDT
You will be sent a link to the webinar 24 hours and 30 minutes before the start time. Please email masterclasses@theguardian.com if you do not receive the access link.
We aim to make Guardian Masterclasses accessible to all. If you require any adjustments to enable your participation in this course, please get in touch with us at masterclasses@theguardian.com.
This event will be hosted on a third-party live streaming platform Zoom, please refer to their privacy policy and terms and conditions before purchasing a ticket to the class.
Once a purchase is complete we will not be able to refund you where you do not attend or if you cancel your event booking. Please see our terms and conditions for more information on our refund policy.
Full course and returns information on the Masterclasses website
