Conversational Writing: Making Your Words Relatable
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This article is part of a collection of daily writing tips aimed at sharing insights and advice on the craft of writing. Each writer has their own perspective, and today, I present a suggestion that I hope resonates with you. Feel free to share your insights in the comments.
Today's advice centers on utilizing straightforward, informal language (unless you're writing an academic piece) and adopting a conversational style to make your narrative more inviting and relatable.
Of course, the context of your writing and its intended audience matter greatly. For instance, on platforms like Medium, I find that the most engaging and enjoyable articles are often penned by authors who embrace lively, informal language.
Two writers who exemplify this approach are Jason Provencio and Robin Wilding. Their style is engaging, although their frequent use of profanity might not appeal to everyone.
When an author writes in this relaxed manner, it feels like a friendly chat over drinks, making it easier for readers to connect. Therefore, opting for simple words over obscure or complicated ones is a logical choice.
If I think of authors who successfully embody this style, Michael Lewis stands out. He has tackled intricate financial topics in books like "Flash Boys," "The Big Short," and his latest, "Going Infinite," which discusses cryptocurrency and Sam Bankman-Fried. He introduces complex subjects using language that feels accessible, as if he's conversing directly with the reader. If interested, you can find a review of his latest book linked below:
Some Guys Have All The Luck A review of “Going Infinite” by Michael Lewis medium.com
In a similar vein, writers addressing complex scientific topics, such as Richard Dawkins (author of "The Selfish Gene" and "The Blind Watchmaker"), also manage to make their subjects understandable. He tends to avoid overwhelming readers with excessive jargon, acronyms, or references unless absolutely necessary.
That said, there are instances where the use of more technical language is warranted—such as when crafting an academic essay or dissertation, where impressing your advisor or academic audience may require it.
However, even in these scenarios, readability is essential. If readers need a dictionary for every other word, they are unlikely to enjoy navigating through your work.
I hope you found this article helpful, and I welcome any tips you might want to share in the comments.
Previous tips: Day 24 — Put a Tigger in your prose
Put A Tigger In Your Prose Tip Of The Day – Using the active voice medium.com
Day 23 — Dedication — time, place, space
Dedication Feeds Inspiration Tip Of The Day — Time, place, space — on creating a cultural crucible medium.com
Day 22 — On spell-checking, Grammarly, and proof-reading
Grammarly Schammarly Tip Of The Day — On spell-checking, Grammarly, and proof-reading medium.com
Day 21 — The five unspoken commandments of Medium
Tablets Of Stone Tip Of The Day — The Five Unspoken Commandments Of Medium medium.com
Day 20 — George Orwell’s six tips on writing style
Style It Out Tip Of The Day — Writing Style medium.com
Day 19 — The importance of interaction
Read, Clap, Highlight, Comment, Repeat Tip Of The Day — Day 19– The importance of interaction medium.com
Day 18 — Replying to comments
Writer’s Riposte Tip Of The Day — Day 18– Reply to every comment medium.com
Day 17: Engagement
The Rage To Engage Tip Of The Day — Day 17– Keep it relatable medium.com
Day 16- Attention-seeking behaviour — the importance of your first sentence –
Attention Seeking Behaviour Tip Of The Day — Day 16– The importance of your first sentence medium.com
Day 15 — Keep it snappy — headlines —
Keep It Snappy Tip Of The Day — Day 15– Hitting the headlines medium.com
Day 14- Subject selection —
Subject Selection Tip Of The Day — Day 14– Brainstorming ideas medium.com
Day 13 — Making time —
Make Time For Writing! Tip Of The Day — Day 13 — Set the alarm medium.com
Day 12 — Deadlines —
Deadlines Tip Of The Day — Day 12 — The benefit of a time limit medium.com
Day 11 — Layout —
Laying It On The Line Tip Of The Day — Day 11 — Layout medium.com
Day 10 — Niches for Riches —
Niches For Riches Tip Of The Day — Day 10 — To niche or not to niche? medium.com
Day 9 — Do your own research —
Do Your Own Research Tip Of The Day — Day 9 — Background reading medium.com
Day 8 — Choosing your subject —
Pop Picking Tip Of The Day — Day 8 — Choose your subject carefully medium.com
Day 7 — Reverse engineering success —
Reverse Engineering Success Tip Of The Day — Day 7 medium.com
Day 6 — Planning —
Planning Prevents Poor Performance Tip Of The Day — Day 6 medium.com
Day 5 — Location —
Location, Location, Location Tip Of The Day — Day 5 medium.com
Day 4 — Dictionary and thesaurus —
By The Book Tip Of The Day — Day 4 — A Series Of Tips For Writers medium.com
Day 3 –Quotations
A Way With Words Tip Of The Day — Day 3 — A Series Of Tips For Writers medium.com
Day 2 — Mind your language — learning new words
Mind Your Language Tip Of The Day — Day 2 — A Series Of Tips For Writers medium.com
Day 1- The Notebook
The Notebook Tip Of The Day — Day 1 — A Series Of Tips For Writers medium.com