writing more like you talk
1. Use Contractions
When I say, "more conversational,"
I mean more like the normal speech- of a conversation between
two people. Our natural speech uses lots of contractions. Here's
some:
I'm, I've, I'll, I'd, you're, you've, you'll,
you'd, he's, he'll, he'd, she's, she'll, she'd, it's, we're,
we've, we'll, we'd, they're, they've, they'll, they'd, aren't,
isn't, wasn't, weren't, haven't, hasn't, hadn't, won't, wouldn't,
shan't, shouldn't, can't, couldn't, mustn't, don't, doesn't,
didn't, here's, there's, where's, how's, what's, who's, let's.
Don't use contractions at every opportunity,
but think whether you would use it if you had spoken the particular
sentence. Also think about whether the contraction would help
or hinder the rhythm of your sentence. Read the sentence aloud.
If it "feels" like a fit, use it; otherwise discard
it.
2. Words to Avoid
a. Adjectives: Some work well: a moist
handshake, a crisp presentation, a green thumb. Some don't: a
great success, a big surprise, green grass.
b. Adverbs: Here's the avoid list:
absolutely, also, arguably, basically,
currently, clearly, fundamentally, immediately, literally, meaningfully,
presently, personally, simply, specifically, successfully, significantly,
very, virtually
c. Nouns: Avoid those ending with: tion,
ion, ing, ance, ment, ancy, ant, ent able. Try to activate them
by changing the sentence to include a verb. For example: Don't
"make a decision" — "decide."
d. Prepositions: Instead of coming upon
something, discover it; take hold of, grab it; putting up with
pain, bear it. Turn negatives into positives. Instead of telling
people what's "not," tell them what "is."
For did not remember, say forgot. For not honest say, dishonest.
e. Verbs: Avoid adding up or down to a
verb. Watch out for too much passive voice. Look for "of,
for, by, at" which usually indicate you're using a passive
voice.
Avoid there was, there were, or forms of
the verb "to be" such as: am, are is, was, were unless
the meaning calls for the passive voice — action down to
something or someone. Personalize passive sentences into active
voice by including people as the the subject. Use energy verbs:
pump, tease, purr, shout, motivate, etc.
Copyright
2001, Robert I. Winer, M.D.
|
