Write like you speak
A simple step to improve your communication skills
Unless you’re a writer by occupation or vocation, the odds are good that the daily writing you do is casual.
Emails
Text messages
Customer support inquiries
A note to your kid’s teacher
The list goes on. You’re doing some type of writing every day, and for those to whom writing doesn’t come naturally, there can exist childhood pressure to write the right way.
Yes, there’s a right way — rules, guidelines — but leave that to the copywriters and journalists among us. For you to clearly get your message across, there’s no need to stress over antecedents and comma splices. Become an effective communicator, sans B.A. in English.
Your writing can be articulate without being stiff, and there’s an easy way to get there.
Image courtesy Christina @ wocintechchat.com
Yes, I know I’m a professional writer, so I’m coming from a place where drafting an email to a client doesn’t completely paralyze me. But I’ve been on the receiving end of enough staccato or run-on messages to know that for many folks, it is simply not in their wheelhouse.
And that’s OK! There’s so, so, so much you’re great at if writing isn’t one of those great things for you.
Why is communication important?
Writing skills are important because communication is the bedrock of relationships. It’s why romances fail, why longtime friends remain in a standoff, and why one talented salesperson gets the promotion over another just as talented colleague.
To be understood, you must communicate clearly and succinctly.
How can I improve my writing?
Simple. First, write your draft. Write down exactly what comes to mind so you get it all out.
Then, read it out loud. Go ahead, we’ll wait.
Yep, you’ll probably feel funny. But you’ll also feel where the weirdness is. It’s in that long list of prepositional phrases, or how you don’t include any contractions at all. (Are there people who don’t use contractions when speaking? Not many, I’d guess.)
It all comes down to communication.
Writing is difficult because you’re creating something from nothing, changing a blank screen or empty page to one filled with the words in your brain. It’s actually pretty cool.
When so much of life relies on communication — with the pediatrician, home contractors, an AT&T service provider, your coffee subscription company’s rep, etc. — writing can cause anxiety. For those of us who are prone to spiral over being misunderstood, reading aloud whatever type of message you’re about to send adds a layer of mental health comfort that can’t be underestimated.
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