#033 - How To Write Like You Talk

This week I've pulled apart the way I write - ooh this was a challenge! It's really tough to try to explain something you do automatically, but I think I've managed to get it down.I get a fair few people commenting on how my copy / posts are easy to read, and how they can hear my voice coming through the text.As promised in this episode here's a list of my top tips for writing like you talk:Use contractions - We'd / we would; I'm / I amYou don't need complex sentences to express complex ideas - keep your language simple like you would if you were explaining something in personDon't 'we' all over the place. Use 'I' and 'you' wherever you can so the reader feels like they're talking with you.Ask questions. Questions engage your readers, again, it makes them feel like it's a two way conversation as they read.Write your draft in one go, resisting the urge to edit it as you go along. Step away from the back-space! Edit once the entire drafted post / blog / section of copy is complete.READ TO YOURSELF ALOUD - top of the top tips. Anything that doesn't flow will stick out like a sore thumb. Donald M. Murray once said: “The ear, not the eye, is the final editor.”Honestly, mastering this will make an incredible difference in the way your audience receives your carefully crafted messaging, I promise! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit gillmoakes.substack.com