Writing How You Speak

Writing is an essential element for most jobs and has been on my mind a lot lately. I went to journalism school at Arizona State and I remember a couple things with regards to writing (I probably should remember more right?). The one main saying I heard over and over in school is to “write how you speak”. If you write how you speak you’ll see a significant flow in your writing. You will also become more comfortable with your writing.

However, it would be silly to write in slang or swear or whatever you might use in every day language, that’s not what I mean. When you write how you speak, people know it’s you. You develop a certain style, just like you speak with a certain style.

It’s also important to note that with press releases and contributed articles there are exceptions. Sometimes you must write in a certain tone that may not be yours by nature. But by still being you (writing as you speak) you’ll be able to adapt to the tone needed in your piece.

Additionally, after you write something make sure you proofread out loud to yourself. If it sounds forced, it probably was and needs to be changed. Take care of yourselves and each other.