Ever heard people say you should write like you talk to create web copy, blog posts and articles that persuade and interest readers?
I think that’s half-baked at best.
I appreciate the intent behind the write-like-you-talk recommendation. Trust me, I’m not advocating formal fitness writing. (I mean, I just used the term “half-baked.”) This isn’t about proper grammar, either!
I’m just hoping we can reframe this thinking. What “write like you talk” really means is: Use a conversational style that readers relate to. But conversational and casual aren’t the same as writing as if you’re speaking.
The difference is important because truly writing like you talk leads to meanderings and messiness. I’ve transcribed enough interviews to know people get wordy when they talk—and it doesn’t look good on paper. We don’t edit ourselves when we speak. Tapping a keyboard in that same mindset convinces writers and bloggers they don’t need to edit—like it might rob the writing of its casualness.
What it does is rob the reader of a pleasant experience. 😂
Good conversational writing and blogging treats readers to deliberate structure and word choices. It flows. It’s enjoyable. Every word is there for a reason.
If you still want to write like you talk, OK. But deem it your first draft. Then self-edit for the sake of your wonderful readers. Cut all those extra words people typically pepper throughout conversation. They don’t need to appear in writing. Check it out:
Instead of “write like you talk”:
As qualified fitness pros, we always do our best to ensure you reach your various fitness goals faster and easier than anything you might have tried in the past.
Try “conversational but edited”:
As qualified fitness pros, we ensure you reach your fitness goals faster and easier than in the past.
