panhandlefamily.com

Conversational Writing: Making Your Words Relatable

Written on

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

Share the page:

Twitter Facebook Reddit LinkIn

-----------------------

Recent Post:

Our Gut Microbiome: A Legacy Passed Through Generations

Discover how our gut microbiome has evolved alongside us, influencing our health and well-being.

Title: Understanding Rollouts in Kubernetes: Benefits and Insights

Explore the concept of rollouts in Kubernetes and their advantages, including graceful updates and easy rollback options.

NASA's DART Mission: A Pioneering Step in Planetary Defense

NASA's DART mission tests asteroid deflection technology, aiming to protect Earth from potential NEO threats.

# Elevate Your Speed with 5 Unique Running Workouts This Summer

Discover five innovative workouts designed to enhance your running speed this summer, perfect for 5k and 10k training.

# Methane's Role in Climate Change: Insights from Geological History

Exploring the Clathrate Gun Hypothesis and its implications for past and future climate change.

# Exploring Wearable Emotion Recognition Systems: The Future of Tech

Delve into the evolving realm of wearable emotion recognition systems and their implications for marketing and technology.

# The Enigmatic Affair: Stalin's Spy and the Genius of Einstein

Explore the captivating relationship between Margarita Konenkova, a Russian spy, and the renowned scientist Albert Einstein.

Exploring the Concept of a Judging God in the Age of AI

Investigating the ethical implications of AI's decision-making capabilities and its potential to act as a judging entity.