[3] Opinion Piece
Opinion Piece is a framework for creating rhetorical works that share the user’s opinion on a topic using a chiastic structure1 that follows the [3] David’s Lyre variation of the [3] David’s Bow shape of Systematics.
The basic structure of an Opinion Piece is:
Orientation
Engage the audience in the topic of discussion by connecting to what they already know. This can use a variety of strategies, but often narrative will engage the audience most deeply: Tell them a story that gets them into the feeling/texture of the topic.
Dis-orientation
State why the prevailing thought and solutions on the topic are flawed or inadequate. It’s good to be disruptive and cut to the heart of the matter — often by deconstructing the paradigm behind the prevailing thought.
Reorientation
Give your opinion as a better way of thinking about or solving the topic. Often this will include introducing an alternative or improved paradigm and projecting from this different results and applications.
Applications
Simple Opinion Piece
Write at least three paragraphs of at least 4 sentences.
- First Paragraph: How do people experience this topic? (Try using a story or popular phrase/idiom)
- Second Paragraph: What is the problem with how we think/solve this topic now?
- Third Paragraph: What is a better way to think/solve this topic?
Sourced Opinion Piece
Use the same basic format and questions as the Simple Opinion Piece, but add sources as foot notes or end notes or a resource list at the end.
Optionally, this could be expanded to a short or long paper on the topic.
Paradigm-shift Interview
A live show, podcast, or video where the questions of the Simple Opinion Piece are explored in the life/work of a change-agent in the topic. The questions are transformed into three sections of interview discussion:
- Their story
- What’s wrong with the system
- How they are hacking/fixing it
Funny Story
A comedy article or speech that follows these three basic movements:
- There was this guy: A relatable story about the subject: the author or their “friend” or someone they observed.
- Really? A funny, outrageous, or sarcastic take on why that not OK or how the subject hilariously discovered this wasn’t OK.
- But seriously: Now that we laughed about it, shouldn’t the world be this way instead?
Meta
Connection to The Journey Map
[3] Revelation Rythm
Media and communications in this shape can support both individual and communal journey in the [3] Revelation Rhythm position because media in this method tends to produce the “change in scope” necessary for revelatory meaning making — a charge-up for [∴] Commitment.
- Use this to deep-dive into the issues and felt-needs of journeyers.
- Use this when clarity is needed about a diversity of opinions that represent divergent paths or ways of being on the journey.