1. Use contractions – Unless you intend to write statements as a form of command (e.g., “Do not trespass”), in many contexts, contractions warm up your writing. For example, the statement “It is time to party” sounds too formal for the intent behind it. So, loosen those writing muscles for when “It’s time to party.” And we’ll be more likely to join the fun and perhaps sip a pint or two.
2. Write to your reader – When you refer to your audience in your writing, the word “you” is more likely to maintain their interest. There’s a reason why some songs top the charts, often because a singer is singing about “you,” even if it’s not really about you (are we so vain?). We might like to imagine the artist is singing to us. It gets our attention so we will purchase the song or buy into its concept.
3. Be specific. Vague words can come across as “empty,” without any meaning.
Example: I facilitated the project.
Some of us might scratch our heads after reading that sentence. We could understand it better if the writer was more specific — perhaps they “led” the project instead. And we would be more interested if they had something to say about the results of their leadership, like if it generated $35,000 in sales.
4. Shorten your words – “Big” words — like “facilitated” (above) — can be hard to read. They also seem stuffy. They can make you appear to attempt to be more clever than your readers. If you’re writing to an educated audience, you might be able to get away with it. But if you want to reach more people, it’s better to use shorter words with fewer syllables or accents in them. Aim for three or below.
5. Talk to your readers – If you stare at your screen constantly when you write, your writing can seem as inhuman as the technology you use. You can spend too much time in your head and not in the world around you. “Talking out” your rough draft while you record it may set a more conversational tone and help you catch mistakes your mind’s eye misses.
Need help warming up your writing? Contact me for advice.
How do you warm up cold writing? Feel free to comment further below.
Quotes
“You can’t actually write like you talk. You can, however, put a reasonable facsimile of your ordinary talking self on paper. You can purposely put into your writing certain things that will make it sound like talk.” ~ Rudolf Flesch
“Write like you speak with ‘rhythms of human speech,’ as William Zinsser said, and in as few words as possible. Use action verbs to carry water.” ~ Sandra E. Lamb
Comments? Suggestions? Need help with your communications? Contact me.
