Write Like You Talk

October 2015

Here's a simple trick to get more readers for your writing: use spoken language. Many people change their tone when they write, using a different language than they would in a conversation. For instance, no one says "pen" as a verb when speaking. Imagine saying "After Altamira, all is decadence," as Neil Oliver did in his book. It sounds odd, doesn't it?

Written language is often more complex and formal, which can be a barrier to understanding and can cause readers to lose interest. Moreover, using complex sentences and fancy words might make writers think they're saying more than they actually are. But complex ideas don't require complex sentences. Experts discussing difficult topics often speak informally, using no more jargon than necessary.

Informal language is like athletic wear for ideas—it's functional and doesn't get in the way. Of course, there are exceptions like poetry or certain prose writers who can pull off fancier language. And sometimes, writers deliberately obfuscate their meaning, such as in corporate announcements of bad news.

For most, however, spoken language is more effective. If you struggle to write this way, try writing your first draft as usual, then revise each sentence by asking, "Would I say this to a friend?" Eventually, this will become second nature. I personally read my essays aloud and correct anything that doesn't sound conversational.

This method may not work for writing that's too far from spoken language; in those cases, try explaining your draft to a friend and then rewrite it based on that conversation. Many have noted that my essays sound like I'm talking, which highlights how rare it is to write in spoken language. By mastering this, you'll stand out from most writers. Just remember: don't let a sentence through unless it's how you'd say it to a friend.

The original article: https://paulgraham.com/talk.html