When you write like you speak, it’s much easier to develop your unique writing voice.
But don’t take this too literally because when speaking, we repeat ourselves, use filler words and sounds, hesitate, utter unfinished sentences, and change direction without thinking.
Good writing is rarely exactly like our natural speech patterns. But when you construct your writing using your natural vocabulary, grammar, and even little quirks, it can be much more natural to read.
In other words, you need to tame your natural utterances in writing, but don’t lose them.
Should you write as you speak?
It might sound like I’m repeating the same question as in my article title. But I’m not.
The answer to this question is a resounding no.
If you write exactly as you speak, you can end up with something like this.
Well, I mean, you know, it’s sort of important, I think, that writers, well, basically, think about how they’re planning on talking to readers.
Yes, it’s extremely natural speech, but it’s not natural writing.
And that’s the big difference between writing as you speak and writing like you speak.
Take what’s uniquely you, but only the best parts, and mold them into your writing style and voice.
It also depends on what you’re writing. For opinion articles or informational writing, such as on your blog or website, you want your personality to shine through.
For technical, academic, or business writing, however, you need to be much more restrained.
But it’s not a difficult change because you naturally modify your speech patterns in similar situations in your professional or personal life.
Choosing your speech patterns to use in writing
When you break down the parts of your natural language to use in your writing, keep this in mind.
Write like you speak, not as you speak.
It means you should definitely use your natural vocabulary. An extreme example is choosing to use your most natural word for bathroom, toilet, w/c, restroom, lavatory, or loo.
It also applies to your local or regional vocabulary. As long as most readers understand a word in context, such as cell or mobile, use the words you naturally use.
Another selection is your sentence length or rhythm. I know I’m a man of few words socially, which is honestly true, because I prefer to listen rather than occupy center stage.
My naturally concise way of speaking does have an effect on my writing because I much prefer to use concise, practical sentences rather than long, epic, poetic, multi-clause sentences.
For creative writing, punctuation is a vital part of your writing voice.
You don’t use punctuation when you speak, but your pauses, emphasis, and rhythm do some of the work that punctuation does in writing.
Have you noticed you tend to use contractions much more in everyday speaking, but less if you’re giving a business presentation?
That’s a very good clue to help you differentiate casual, informal writing from formal writing.
Do you have a sense of humor, adore irony, or even have a sarcastic streak? Then use it, but in moderation.
I enjoy reading opinion articles in The Guardian because some writers, such as Marina Hyde, have a unique and memorable writing style and voice.
The best parts of your speaking will be the best parts of your writing, but you have to keep a tight rein.
Writing is a different way of communicating. It needs much more restraint, finesse, and, most importantly, thought.
What not to include in your writing
Well… um… you know… I mean…
Discourse markers like these occur regularly in speech, but are relatively rare in polished writing.
If you’re writing opinion pieces or informational content, false starts, verbal padding, and unfinished sentences are an unnecessary distraction from your argument or topic.
That’s the difference between writing as you speak and writing like you speak. When you remove discourse markers, much of your natural language remains intact.
For authors, writing dialogue to sound like real people can include the occasional use of discourse markers. However, your narrative shouldn’t be filled with the quirks of actual speech.
In all forms of writing, it’s about finding a balance between levels of formality.
Too formal: It is critically important for all writers to consider the manner in which they communicate their ideas to their intended readership.
Conversational: Think about how you’re talking to your reader.
Too much like actual speech: Well, I mean, you know, it’s sort of important, I think, that writers, well, basically, think about how they’re talking to readers.
It’s easy to see why the middle example wins.
Use the good bits and discard the rest
Think about how you speak when you write. You could even try dictating and converting to text.
Either way, you will usually notice quite quickly the parts that you can delete or keep.
Natural writing is about retaining your voice and personality, without all the frills you use when speaking.
Because your writing may reach readers all over the world, be careful with language that only makes sense in your corner of the world.
I’m Australian, so I know and sometimes use the Aussie vernacular when speaking.
But I rarely, if ever, use it in my writing. While it can be fun to investigate, it’s not easy for most people to understand.
Wherever you come from, and whatever accent you have, you will have local language quirks that may not be easy for all readers to understand.
But occasionally, you might find the opportunity to use it to add a little bit of authenticity.
However, always remember that you can write with freedom, but always edit with care.
Summary
It’s okay to write like you speak, but that doesn’t mean you should write everything as you would say it.
However, it’s a balancing act when you’re trying to craft a unique writing voice and style that’s you.
The best way to get there is to think about the vocabulary and sentence structures you naturally use.
But then refine them a little when editing so you’re sure your writing will be suitable for a wide range of readers.
Related Reading: 20 Editing Choices That Make Your Writing Sound More Human
English teacher, writer, and author. Passionate about grammar, creative writing, and self-publishing. Always exploring new tools and tech to help writers succeed.
