Write Like You Talk

Writing in plain language--like you talk--increases comprehension, reduces foggy writing AND makes it possible for your reader to respond more quickly to your message. If you find it difficult to write like you talk, try these ideas:

• Imagine a friend sitting across from you. Start talking about your topic.
• Talk into a tape recorder.
• Call a friend and actually talk through your topic, and then write points down just as you said them.
• Use simple words and short sentences.
• Use personal pronouns like I, me, my, our, you, your, we, and us.

Remember, you are engaging your reader in a conversation where you want him/her to take some action. Making the text cumbersome with long words and long sentences narrows your chance of achieving your goal.