
What makes a compelling magazine column? Hmmm, let’s see. The truth probably lies somewhere between these two.
I started out thinking today’s post was mainly for the lawyer readers. But now I’m not so sure.
In a few weeks, I’ll be presenting in Chicago at the American Bar Association’s annual Bar Leadership Institute. That’s where incoming leaders (often Presidents) of bar associations gather to get a crash course in numerous elements that go into guiding associations of attorneys.
My charge is to lend insight into what makes A-1 written materials—op-ds, letters to the editor, and the oft-feared President’s Message.
For the uninitiated, the President’s Message is a column-length essay published in a bar association’s magazine, newspaper or newsletter.
That message gives more agida to incoming leaders than virtually any other part of the job. And why shouldn’t it? Bar leaders are adept at many parts of the new job: They know how to run meetings, garner support and reach consensus (OK, “adept” may be a stretch). But how many of them have written a column?
Of course, most people have a good column in them. We have a powerful hankering to share the One Big Idea that has guided us, in life and practice. Without doubt, we can hit that column out of the park.
OK, that takes care of Month 1. Whatcha got for the other 11 months of your year? Gulp.
I’ve read and edited President’s columns since 2000 (and I write my own monthly column; here’s January’s), so I have a pretty strong sense of what makes a good leader essay. But many of you read them; what do you think?
Because one of my messages to the presidents will be to crowdsource great ideas, today I am practicing what I preach. So …
In publications you enjoy (legal or not), what causes you to read a column (rather than a feature article)? What draws you in? What repels your gaze? Put another way:
- What is the one piece of advice you would give a column writer?
- What kind of content or approach do you find draws you in and leads you to respond?
If you have a thought that is not captured in my questions, please feel free to share that instead.
I am developing my presentation now. I’d be pleased to share your insight with the BLI attendees. And if I use your idea, I will credit you in my PowerPoint—so there; you, too, will be published!
Follow @azatty
February 27, 2014 at 10:46 am
Young man, two words: “pizza dough.” (apologies to Mrs. Robinson).
Our Bar president this year has done a pretty good job with her columns. As a mom with a young kid, she has juggled challenges but that has not been the major theme of her bar year; instead it has been something that comes up naturally as part of her life, part of her view of professionalism. This was not a column she was planning, but nevertheless, I think she “parked” this one “out of the park.”
http://www.nhbar.org/publications/display-news-issue.asp?id=7105
Other examples of hers:
Here’s one about what you do when you make a mistake. (Mine is not making the headline… What makes a good carpenter…)
http://www.nhbar.org/publications/display-news-issue.asp?id=7199
I hope that you share your PPT creation from BLI with your NABE buddies.
Dan Wise dwise@nhbar.org
Communications Director & Bar News Editor
New Hampshire Bar Association
2 Pillsbury Street, Suite 300
Concord, NH 03301
603 715-3264 direct
603 224-6942 office
603 224 2910 fax
Supporting members of the legal profession & their service to the public and the justice system.
February 27, 2014 at 11:24 am
Wow, these are both excellent, Dan! Thank you. And share I will!
March 10, 2014 at 9:31 am
[…] am disappointed to say that as this program begins, I’ll be en route to Chicago for a presentation of my own. But I look forward to hearing about Tim’s […]
March 17, 2014 at 9:10 am
[…] wrote about this presentation a few weeks ago, and I thank those who offered suggestions for content and messages. As promised, those who shared […]