Write like you Speak – Five Tips

Content that sells shouldn’t sound like it came directly out of a manual or text book.  The best content speaks TO the audience, not AT the audience. How can this be accomplished? By writing content with a conversational tone.

Of course, writing like you speak shouldn’t be taken literally. We all have our own idiosyncrasies when it comes to the way we speak. Content shouldn’t include the “ummmms” and “likes” that we all have been guilty of including in everyday conversations. Instead, content should remain professional while introducing your audience to the conversation. Also, you should always keep your target audience in mind when determining how formal or informal your content will be.

Writing convincing copy that will engage your audience, gain trust and sell your products and services can be done when you add your own unique voice. Here are five easy tips to writing like you speak:

Go with the Flow

Think about what you want to say and allow the words to flow onto your page. This is how you should be writing your first draft. After you are done, go back and edit spelling and grammar.

Have a Conversation

Write like you are having a conversation. It is time to remove what you learned in grade school and forget about the formal tone. You are speaking to the reader, not at the reader. Invite your audience into the conversation with you and they will feel appreciated and welcome.

Forget About the “Big Words”

Don’t show off your intelligence to the audience by using industry jargon or words the general public won’t understand. Remember that you are writing for the reader, not for yourself.

Always Read Out Loud

Once you are done writing your content, read it out loud to yourself. Change anything that doesn’t sound right and add anything that you think will entice your audience to act.

Organize your Thoughts

Your content should remain organized and flow easily from one thought to the next. Writing like you speak shouldn’t sound like you are writing an informal email to a friend. Your content should still be professional and easy to follow.

Published in Copy writing, Marketing and tagged with Caroline Pigott, Copy write, CP Style, Write, write like you speak