How to Blog: Step By Step
How to Blog: Step By Step
Your blog post needs a strong introduction that makes the reader want to keep reading. Start with something interesting! Here’s how you can introduce your post:
Start with a Hook: You could start with a question, a surprising fact, or a quote from the leader.
Example: “What makes a great leader? Is it their ability to inspire others, or their vision for the future? Ancient leaders like Julius Caesar had both—and more.”
State your Purpose: Briefly explain what your reader will get or gain from reading your post.
Example: In this post, I’ll explain why Caesar was one of the most effective leaders in history, what modern leaders can learn from him, and how we can lead like Caesar in our own lives.
Give Background/Context: Your readers might not know anything about the ancient world. Briefly explain the time period, who the leader is, and why they are important.
Example: “Ancient Rome during the time of Julius Caesar was a period of significant political and military change. As a powerful general, Caesar expanded Rome's territories through conquests, including the famous conquest of Gaul, while also navigating the complex political landscape of the Roman Republic. Caesar's rise to power and eventual crossing of the Rubicon in 49 BCE led to a civil war that ended with him becoming dictator, fundamentally transforming the government and setting the stage for the rise of the Roman Empire.”
PRO TIP: Break up big paragraphs into shorter paragraphs! It will keep your reader on your post longer!
In the first body paragraph, explain why you think the leader you chose was the most effective. Focus on their achievements and leadership qualities. Think about these questions:
What were the leader’s major accomplishments?
Did they improve the lives of their people? How?
What made their leadership style stand out from others?
Example Outline:
Topic Sentence: State who you think the most effective leader was and why.
Example: “Julius Caesar was one of the most effective ancient leaders because of his ability to make quick decisions and unite people under his rule.”
Supporting Details: Give specific examples of what made this leader effective.
Example: “Caesar’s conquest of Gaul expanded Rome’s empire and brought wealth to Rome. He also introduced the Julian calendar, which is still used today.”
Explain Why They Were Effective: Describe the leader’s qualities that helped them succeed.
Example: “Caesar was a bold and charismatic leader who inspired loyalty in his soldiers and citizens. His political reforms and military strategies were ahead of their time.”
Explain what modern leaders can learn by studying ancient leaders. Think about:
What qualities of ancient leaders still matter today?
How can those qualities help leaders make better decisions?
Example Outline
Topic Sentence: Explain that studying ancient leaders can teach us important lessons for today.
Example: “By studying the leadership of ancient figures like Caesar, modern leaders can learn the importance of courage, vision, and the ability to make tough decisions.”
Supporting Details: Give specific examples of leadership lessons.
Example: “Caesar's ability to communicate his vision to both his soldiers and the Senate made him a strong leader. Modern leaders, like CEOs or politicians, can learn how important it is to inspire others with a clear mission.”
Lesson Learned: What can modern leaders take from these examples?
Example: “Leaders today can benefit from Caesar’s ability to adapt to new challenges. When faced with difficult decisions, modern leaders should be decisive and confident, just like Caesar.”
Show how leadership lessons can be applied to your readers' lives. Since your audience is likely middle school students, you should focus on ways they can practice leadership at school, with friends, or in sports.
Here’s an example outline for this paragraph:
Topic Sentence: Start by explaining why leadership lessons are important for everyone, not just adults.
Example: “Leadership isn’t just for kings—it’s something we all can practice, no matter our age.”
Supporting Details: Give examples of how students can practice leadership in their own lives.
Example: “Students can be leaders by helping classmates with homework, taking charge of a group project, or standing up for what’s right. Being a good listener, staying calm in stressful situations, and showing respect to others are key leadership skills.”
Apply the Lessons: Show how readers can apply leadership qualities from ancient leaders.
Example: “Just like Julius Caesar inspired his soldiers, you can inspire your friends by encouraging them to try their best. Leadership is about setting a positive example and helping others succeed.”
Finish your post with a summary and encourage your readers to take action and be leaders in their own lives!
Summarize Key Points: Briefly recap the main points of your blog.
Example: “Ancient leaders like Julius Caesar taught us important lessons about making decisions, inspiring others, and standing firm in tough situations.”
Call to Action: Encourage your readers to apply the lessons of leadership in their own lives.
Example: “You don’t need to be a general or king to be a leader. You can practice leadership every day by taking responsibility, helping others, and making a positive impact in your community. What leadership qualities will you work on today?”