How to Write as You Speak

Practical tips for using natural speech in writing and making your words resonate with your audience.

How you engage your audience through the written word matters. One way is to write like you speak. This creates a conversational tone, making your content feel human and authentic. Today, we’ll explore practical tips and techniques for using natural speech in writing and making your words resonate with your audience.

What is Conversational Writing?

Conversational writing is meant to copy the informal way you talk with your best friend over coffee.

Unlike formal writing, which often feels stiff and outdated, conversational writing uses a relaxed tone to make you feel comfortable. It uses simple language, personal pronouns, and an active voice, making your readers feel like they’re part of a dialogue.

Conversational writing—usually found in blogs, emails, and social media posts—involves engaging the reader to help form a stronger bond faster.

5 Tips to Write as You Speak

1. Use Short Sentences and Paragraphs
   Breaking down your content into shorter sentences and paragraphs makes it easier to digest. It also follows your natural speech rhythm and avoids the monotonous tone of longer sentences that can disturb your reader.

2. Ask Questions
   Just like in real life, asking questions in your writing can engage readers and prompt them to think. What went right about your week? How did that make you feel? Tell me more. Asking the right question can nudge them to take a specific action.

3. Use Contractions and Slang
   In everyday conversations, we often use contractions and occasional slang. Adding them to your writing can make you sound more genuine. Remember to balance it with professionalism, depending on your audience and context.

4. Practice Reading Aloud
   It’s a secret tip no one tells new writers about. Reading what you’ve written out loud is the best way to find out if your writing sounds natural. It lets you listen to how it flows and makes it easier to spot any words or phrases that sound awkward or unnatural.

5. Keep it Simple
   The more complicated words you use, the more confused your reader gets. Keep your vocabulary simple like you were at the coffee shop chatting with your best friend. Imagine sitting at your grandma’s kitchen table, sharing stories, and eating your favorite chocolate chip cookie, or cinnamon scone, hey, it’s grandma’s house - so you pick.
   
   Examples and Practice
   
   To practice, let’s turn a few formal sentences into something more conversational.
   
   Formal: "It is important the clients submit their proposal documents promptly."
   
   Conversational: "Send us your feedback by next week."
   
   Now it’s your turn -
   
   Try rewriting the following in a conversational style:
   "The management appreciates your efforts in promptly complying with the new guidelines."
   
   A simpler version might sound like:
   "Thanks for following the new rules so fast. We really appreciate it!"