The above is from Dan Martin via FPA blog.
1.) Write Like You Speak
2.) Read It Out Loud
- First, it can help you practice and ultimately, master Tip #1 (writing like you speak).
- Second, it can help you identify the areas where you need to add some qualifiers to simplify and clarify certain thoughts.
- Third, it’s the best way I’ve found to ensure that content is conversational enough for your audience, and for the objective of the piece. Reading aloud will help you identify the areas of your work that really lend themselves to a conversational style (i.e., something that you, or at least some human being, might actually say), and those that need some adjusting.
3.) Edit, Don’t Sterilize
My last piece of advice on engaging writing is to remember that the small imperfections and quirks in your writing style are not necessarily bad things. I think some of these quirks make up an important part of anyone’s writing style, and not all of them should be eradicated through the editing process.
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