Writing Tips: Write Like You Talk

by Elle Ray | Nov 14, 2016 | Writing

13 Writing Tips from a Professional Blog Writer

A funny thing happened on the way to keyboard. I became a completely different person.

writing tips - write like you talk

“Who wrote that?” asked my editor. “I did,” I told him, quite proud of the words I’d conjured up — the lengthy sentences that I’m sure were grammatically correct and written in the tone of a scholar that I’d adopted. I believed that I had successfully integrated all the writing tips I’ve ever heard over a lifetime of training into that short article.

But at that time, I wasn’t writing for a group of academics; I was writing for the general public. I had a story to tell, and I wanted regular people to read what I’d written. I had important information to impart to people who would surely marvel at my talent for literary composition.

Boy, was I wrong.

Where’s the Beef?

The lessons I learned from that editor still ring loud and true today. And really, they’re more powerful today than ever. Never before had a few short writing tips hit the mark more clearly. I was humbled, yet resilient. As my editor told me: I had to remember the basics of writing and the reasons for it.

Writing is a form of communication, after all. And if you don’t get your message across — if it gets bogged down in some crazy notion that to be respected as a writer you have to become someone else — then you’ve wasted your time putting the words to paper and wasted your readers’ precious time, too. And through it all, you still have a message to send.

Don’t Get Lost in the Cracks

Whether you’re writing a blog for your company website, an email to a potential client, an article or a book, the best way to get your message across is to write like you talk. The way you talk is the way people listen. Take this example:

“The strange mix of euphoria and revulsion he felt, strategically shielded from the world by the impenetrable tint of his sunglasses, protected his delicate sensibilities and sad longings from the intimate goings-on that surrounded him on a daily basis as he wandered from one desolate, deserted place to another in search of affection and meaning.”

Versus this example:

“He wore dark glasses as he roamed the streets because he didn’t want anyone to see his emotions.”

While the first example might be suitable for a long novel, it can’t be used anywhere else. The actual meaning gets lost when you try to sound intellectual. In most forms of writing, you have to get to the point. And the point isn’t whether you’re smart or talented; it’s whether you can be understood.

Get to the Point

To help with your next project, consider the following writing tips. They’ll not only make writing a little easier, they’ll ultimately help you get your message across, succinctly and to the point:

Relax, you can fix the errors later
Say what you mean
Read — a lot
Read with a critical eye
Use as few words as possible to make your point
Keep sentences short
Avoid industry jargon
Eliminate useless words that sneak in (such as can, will and generally)
Rely on punctuation to control the flow
Write first, then edit
Ask for criticism
Read your writing out loud before you publish
And don’t listen to all the writing tips you hear; just write from your heart

And of course, when all else fails and you just can’t seem to get the hang of easily knocking out your company newsletter in a decent amount of time without taking up your whole day, contact the professional writers at Ray Access. It’s not just what we do; it’s all we do.

Ray Access is a content marketing firm that delivers targeted words to empower your business. Contact us about your specific project to receive a quote or discuss your needs. We write website copy, blog posts, e-newsletters and more. Everything we do is thoroughly researched, professionally edited and guaranteed original.

No BS: Communicate with Confidence

by Elle Ray | Jan 17, 2013 | Communication

Be Confident Whenever You Speak to Others

How you feel directly influences how well you communicate. We can all appreciate, for example, how impossible it is to hide intense feelings of anger or sadness when trying to talk to clients, bosses, or even a loved one. Similarly, your level of confidence shows through as well.

Your confidence shines through your words and actions

Ideally, before you speak, you should consider what you’re going to say and how you’re going to broach the subject. You should also be sure you have your facts right. Add to the mix how you feel about yourself, which we’ve just explained colors your words, and you have a virtual booklet to read before ever get to open your mouth. If every person was this thoughtful before speaking, the world would know no war and few arguments.

In the realistic world, we all take shortcuts. Every chance we get. Open mouth, insert foot, close mouth. Repeat. If your goal is to communicate clearly, though, you must understand both the internal and the external forces that direct not only the words you speak but the tone of your voice.

Examples in Confidence

Here’s a real-world example. Let’s say you’ve studied the latest Facebook changes for your company. In a meeting the next day, the boss asks for your input on how to best use the social networking site to market your product or services. You realize all eyes will be on you, and the thought terrifies you because you feel self-conscious about your teeth or your weight. When you do finally speak, you keep your eyes on the table in front of you while your voice stays a low mumble. Do you think your boss is going to give your suggestions much credence? Can you imagine them promoting you to a top marketing position? No to both questions.

Here’s another example. Imagine you meant to spend the previous evening on Facebook checking out the latest developments, knowing the meeting was approaching, but you got caught up in a chat with an old high school buddy. The next thing you knew, it was midnight, so you shut everything down and went to bed. At the meeting the following day, anxious to make a big impression with the boss, you start spouting off what little you did discover in your “investigation.” When you can’t answer questions from the floor and begin sputtering, your whole charade comes tumbling down. Do you think you made a very good impression? Will they take you seriously next time you have a suggestion for how to improve the company? No to both questions.

Tips for Self-Confidence

Look at your reflection When preparing for a meeting, a party, a networking event, or any gathering with intelligent, important people, start with a little confidence booster. Look directly in the mirror and try to see yourself objectively. Maybe you’ll see that a little blush or hair gel will give you a more polished appearance. Go ahead and add whatever little touches you need to make you feel good about how you look. Then smile at your reflection and tell yourself that you’re ready for the encounter — because no matter who’s in attendance, you got it right!

If your self-confidence is in the toilet for deep-seated reasons that go back to your childhood, consider therapy or a support group. Professional help or support from peers can help you overcome image or confidence issues. No matter how well-versed you are or how much you know about a subject, your words will fall on deaf ears if you don’t believe in yourself and your abilities.

One Final Note

Make sure to get your facts straight. If you ever get caught spouting BS in an effort to impress, your credibility will be shot. Done. Kaput. No matter how good you feel about yourself, keep your mouth closed until you’ve done your homework — all your homework.

A cocky attitude and inaccurate information will likely damage far more than just your presentation. But when you have a solid grasp of the facts and speak without fear or embarrassment, you send a message that you are someone to be taken seriously. Communicate with confidence and put your career on the fast track!