At a point in our lives, some of us need to learn how to write a manifesto, when we find ourselves vying for a position. Be it political or in other areas of our lives, we will find ourselves seeking creative ways to let people know why we are the best candidate for the job. A manifesto is the art of subtle convincing.
This is why we have to do a thorough job of convincing those that will vote that we are the man for the job. The world will never forget Martin Luther King, Jr’s “I Have a Dream” manifesto, and that alone should give you an idea of how important it is to know how to write an impactful manifesto. In this article, we will explore the steps involved in writing a manifesto.
What is a Manifesto?
A manifesto is a public state or declaration that articulates the beliefs, goals, and intentions of a person, group (political or not), or even an organization. It is a document that is used to advocate for a movement or express dissatisfaction with an existing system or governing body. It is used to express what you will do differently if you are elected into the said position and how you will do it.
Thereby promoting the readers or listeners to vote for you. Manifestos can be written for artistic movements, technological advancement, environmental issues, social causes, and political ideologies. There have been certain manifestos that have stood the test of time historically and some of them include, Common Sense by Thomas Paine (1776), Martin Luther King, Jr’s “I Have a Dream”, then Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels’s The Communist Manifesto (1848), and the 1848 Communist Manifesto.
Steps on How to Write a Manifesto
However, to write a creatively unique manifesto and motivate others towards your vision, there are certain steps to be taken.
Ask yourself these questions
The best way to clarify your beliefs, goals, and intentions, you need to ask yourselves some questions. You need to determine the principles that are important to you, the core values and beliefs you stand for, the legacy you are seeking to build, the cause for which you are advocating, the groups that would be influenced by your ideas, the key issues to be addressed, and how your approach will eventually bring about a difference.
Know your audience
You are writing a manifesto not for yourself but for an audience, therefore to tickle their fancy, you must know them. Know what they want, what they hold dear, what they do not like, and where your vision aligns with theirs. Your audiences may differ based on the type of manifesto you are writing, so you must tailor it to address their needs.
Brainstorm the core values
Having known your audience, it is time to think of the points that will be included in your manifesto. These are the key points that will outline the goals involved in your vision. Don’t bother about writing the full manifesto at this stage. You just want your talking points that will persuade your audience. You will also brainstorm on your central theme from which other points will emanate.
Research
The next step is to research all the points you have outlined. Your research is what will give you a valid argument. This process is one of the most important because it involves getting your facts right. Here you will delve into the history of manifestos with a similar theme just as yours, and if perhaps there is none, you will make research on data and statistics on the pending issue. It’s always easier to convince others with facts because it makes one’s argument easier. It also helps to give strength to your views. Ensure that you are careful in getting the latest facts and statistics. When researching timelines, devote time to know them accurately. You can do research online, through books, or even in the library.
Write an outline
With the theme and points and research done, the outline stage is next. The purpose of an outline is to put them all in the right order. In other words, putting all the points in the same format will ensure the proper flow of your manifesto. You will outline what will go into your introduction, each paragraph, and finally your conclusion.
Writing the manifesto
Start the writing with your introduction. Here you will be concise so that it will grab the attention of your intended audience. Ensure that this is written in a bold language that will ensure that you come off as one who means business. The theme or the unifying point of your manifesto must be mentioned in your manifesto. It is from this theme that your ideas will flow. Any idea that is not reflecting your theme should be taken out. Also, give a hint of the ideas you desire to act upon. Since it is an introduction, don’t delve into details just yet. You want them to anticipate what is to come. Then, the next paragraphs should detail the larger picture of your manifesto. Aptly discuss your main points, backed by facts and if applicable statistics. Address their concerns with an actionable solution and help them see the possible future with your vision.
Engage the interest of your audience
Since this is aimed at convincing your audience, engage them in it. Don’t write it like a news article, speak to the emotions of your audience and this can be achieved with the use of analogies and figurative words. Especially make research of these words and include them appropriately. However, do not overdo it. Just include them enough to drive home your point without sounding robotic or ridiculous. Furthermore, don’t forget to add a call to action for them. This is where you persuade them to join your cause and give you a chance. Let them know what they know already; their support is what will make your vision achievable.
Be brief
Don’t go rambling on and on when writing your manifesto. You need to be concise and not exhaust your audience, if not they will not care to listen to you any longer. Let your paragraphs be concise yet powerful with valuable points and facts.
Write a powerful conclusion
Just as your introduction is important, so is your conclusion. You need to keep the momentum all through. Here you will revise all the points you have mentioned and tie them concisely to the central theme. Doing this will help your readers clearly understand your vision and convince them of your intentions.
Review and proofread
After concluding the writing, the next step is to review it to check for any inconsistencies or anything that does not reflect your theme. But before you do this, take a moment to rest your head. Take a break from writing, then when you are well rested, come back to it. Revise the manifesto as much as you can, until you have a conviction that everything is perfect. Then proofread for any grammatical and spelling errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start a manifesto?
When you want to start a manifesto, the first thing to do is to know your audience, brainstorm your ideas, research, and write an outline. Then write your introduction. You have to be concise and have a theme or unifying point that will catch the interest of your audience.
What is an example of a manifesto?
There are several examples of manifestos but certain ones have stood the test of time historically and some of them include, Common Sense by Thomas Paine (1776) and Martin Luther King, Jr’s “I Have a Dream”.
What are the main points of the manifesto?
The main points of a manifesto are those that seek to promote an idea that will bring about the desired change.
How do you write a creative manifesto?
When writing a creative manifesto, consider the principles that are important to you, the core values and beliefs you stand for, the legacy you are seeking to build, the cause for which you are advocating, and the groups that would be influenced by your ideas.
How do you conclude a manifesto?
When you want to conclude a manifesto, you will revise all the points you have mentioned and tie them concisely to the central theme. This will help your readers clearly understand your vision and convince them of your intentions.
Conclusion
Remember that the best manifestos appeal to the emotions of people addressing the desired change that they seek. So, when writing your manifesto, let this guide you, even as you declare your beliefs, goals, and intentions.
