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Guide for Contributed Articles
Introduction
The objective of this document is to provide members of the CIArb with some helpful tips in writing articles and also provide some background on why press coverage is important. The document also details key messages for the CIArb.
Good luck and enjoy the thrill of seeing your - article in print!
Why is it important to obtain press coverage?
- The press has influence - most people inherently believe what they read in the papers
- Unlike advertising, the press is recognised as independent, and therefore credible
- The media helps us to reach a range of different audiences - customers, prospects, influencers, and other members
- Editorial coverage is very cost-effective compared to other marketing disciplines
- Contributing articles helps to raise the profile for both you and the CIArb.
Basic tips and guidelines to a good article
- Know your audience by reading past articles in the publication. It will also help you to get an idea of the style of articles published (Kaizo will provide this to you if you do not have access to a copy)
- Put yourself in the position of the reade r
- Use a punchy title
- The opening paragraph needs to be the most interesting to keep your audience reading
- Keep to the length requested. How long should your article be? In writing for newspapers or popular magazines the length is probably around 500-750 words (or 1 to 2 pages)
- Think about the key messages you want to get across, don’t divert too far from these. Think it all through very carefully, WHAT you are going to say and HOW you are going to say it
- Use short sentences and language that keeps readers awake and interested
- Use sub-headings / bullets to break up the article, especially if it is a long piece
- Ensure that your article reads quickly and easily
- Be concise and simple. Kill waffle
- Be clear in what you say. Clarity is king in terms of structure, expression and sentence length
- Avoid jargon. If writing for a legal magazine, legal jargon would be considered correct. However, if writing to a sporting publication for example, straightforward and simple prose is a ‘must’ to ensure that the point is not going to be lost on the readers
- Quotes, facts and statistics to add colour
- Use examples where possible and don't be too impersonal – you can include anecdotes about yourself. Also don't be afraid to express personal opinions on issues
- DO NOT use it as an opportunity to blatantly advertise
- Have a strong summary to round off your article
- Your article should answer the following five questions:
WHO, WHAT, WHERE, HOW and WHEN
- Review your article thoroughly before submission
Messages for the CIArb
Generic
- Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) offer accessible justice for all
- Private dispute resolution encourages speedy and cost effective solutions
CIArb (Specific)
- The CIArb is an independent, non-profit making body of qualified specialists, offering flexible and dynamic solutions to disputes
- CIArb has a global network of qualified dispute resolvers in over 90 countries (for business, public sector and consumer)
Training
- CIArb sets the benchmark for arbitration training and qualifications world-wide
- CIArb provides a one-stop shop for high quality private dispute resolution training and qualifications
Consumers
- Consumer schemes allow consumers to have their disputes resolved without the anxiety and expense of going to court
- The CIArb’s private and flexible dispute resolution schemes give consumers a real choice as to how they want their complaints settled
SMEs (small-to-medium enterprises) and Consumers
- By using CIArb bespoke consumer arbitration schemes, companies can demonstrate their commitment to customer relations/genuine care for customers
SMEs and other Companies
- The use of arbitration and ADR to resolve disputes can often maintain the ongoing business relationships between the parties
CIArb arbitration and ADR services
- The use of CIArb arbitration or ADR services enables the timely and very cost effective settlement of commercial disputes of all kinds and saves valuable management time
CIArb to potential members
- CIArb is a global organisation offering membership to a world-wide network of private dispute resolvers
- CIArb training offers benchmark qualifications enabling revenue generating opportunities world-wide
What next?
If you have topic that you think is of interest and are keen to contribute an article on behalf of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, to raise both your profile and the awareness of the CIArb, please submit a synopsis of the article (50 - 200 words) to Richard Rodger (RRodger@ARBITRATORS.ORG).
Please DO NOT start to write the full article until your synopsis has been pitched and been accepted to be published by one of the target publications (legal trade and relevant vertical sector publications).
When submitting your synopsis, please advise which month you are able to complete the article. A timetable will then be developed to ensure there is a good pipeline of articles throughout the year and not an overload in one month.
The CIArb’s PR consultancy, Kaizo, will allocate contributions by month, pitch in a synopsis and advise on word count and deadline. Kaizo will also be available for assistance to members when needed.
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