Saturday, February 18, 2012

Techniques to Write with a Conversational Voice

By Alan G. Cranford


Writing with a conversational tone is an ability that numerous authors desire to have yet for different reasons can not refine to perfection. Whereas talking comes naturally to practically anybody the capability to write and make it sound like a person is simply casually speaking is a much even more challenging task. However there are some easy measures that can easily make the act of conversational writing come a little simpler and more naturally.

Sentence structure is key to making your writing sound natural and free-flowing. Speak one-on-one with the reader instead of trying to force everything into a third-person perspective. At the same time avoid using the passive voice in your writing. Instead of saying "the vehicle was driven by my friend, Paul" simply say "Paul drove the car." It keep the conversation feeling fresh and immediate and cuts down on wordy filler. No one talks with the intent of using as many words as possible so conversational writing shouldn't follow that convention either.

Additionally, attempt to concentrate on utilizing contractions and other informal yet grammatically appropriate elements. Begin a sentence with "and" or "but" if it feels like that might be a natural continuation of the discussion. You can easily additionally utilize contractions, something frowned upon in more official or instructional work. Words like "can't" or "don't" seem more common than "can not" or "do not." And again it cuts out wasteful additional words that make the sentences appear abnormal.

Most importantly, just listen to yourself talk. A conversational writing style will not come naturally to you if you aren't able to understand how you communicate ordinarily. The best way to do this is to talk to yourself as you write. Say what you're writing in your head, even speak it out loud if it helps you more. This is surprisingly helpful at allowing you to see which sentences and word choices sound too formal or unrealistic and which flow naturally like a conversation would.

Finally, the most obvious method to improve your writing skills is with practice. As the saying goes, "practice makes perfect!"




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