1. You are not your audience. Perhaps you become jumbled in jargon when you write and focus more on how you think you should sound. Talk about your article with a friend and record it or have someone take notes during the conversation. Apps, such as Dragon Dictation and iPhone’s Notes, can transcribe for you — these methods can humanize your writing.
2. Write to a friend (or pretend to). Some of us are self-conscious about being recorded.
3. Keep a journal. Some of my best, most open writing occurs when I jot in my journal. It’s like I’m talking to a therapist or a friend. It’s a great way to practice writing and to relax, and your words will flow more freely.
4. Read your writing aloud in a flat voice. Printing a copy helps. Sometimes what we see on-screen doesn’t match the printed page. Note any corrections or additions. Our ears can catch things our eyes don’t.
5. Let someone else read. If you’re open to constructive criticism, let a trusted friend or loved one read your writing. Another set of eyes can help you see more clearly.
Quotes
Incomprehensible jargon is the hallmark of a profession. ~ Kingman Brewster, Jr.
Even to a writer who is being intentionally obscure or wild of tongue we can say, ‘Be obscure clearly! Be wild of tongue in a way we can understand!’ Even to writers of market letters, telling us (but not telling us) which securities are promising, we can say, ‘Be cagey plainly! Be elliptical in a straightforward fashion!’ ~ William Strunk, Jr. and E.B. White, The Elements of Style.
Comments? Suggestions? Need help? Feel free to contact me.
Michelle Troutman
classywriting.com
