Readers like to sit back and relax when reading a book or magazine article. And it’s easier for them to do this when the book or article is not only easy to read, but also a joy to read. As an author, the best way to achieve this is to use a conversational style when you write. Use devices that make your readers enjoy what they are reading. Get them to laugh once in a while and smile when they’ve finished your article. Some of the best ways to do this are:
- Be enthusiastic and let your enthusiasm show in your writing.
- Let your feelings in general manifest. If you feel something strong, tell your reader. If you feel good that day, let him know. But be careful; try not to offend anyone if you feel terrible.
- Use contractions like “I will, I will,” etc., frequently.
- Use personal pronouns like “you, me, we,” etc. Writers are sometimes reluctant to use “I”, thinking that it makes them seem selfish, but this is not the case. Many of the best writers use “I” frequently.
- Talk to your readers the way you would talk to someone sitting next to you. In short, she “writes while you talk.”
- Ask questions from time to time and answer them. The best place to ask a question is at the beginning of a paragraph, and the best place to answer it is in the next sentence.
- Use quotes from time to time. Nothing brings an article to life more than a quote, particularly if it’s humorous or meaningful.
- Use incomplete sentences from time to time. This may seem like a no-no, but it’s actually a sign that the writer is a professional. Look through some of the best writing and you’ll see frequently used incomplete sentences.
- Be personal. Be yourself. Don’t be afraid to use an anecdote or short story about yourself, or comment on how you feel about something. If the anecdote is good and definitely makes a point, it will be a great help to your article.
- Use humor. Humor is great, and if you have a good sense of humor you are lucky, so use it. I’ll be the first to admit that being funny isn’t easy, so thank your lucky star if you’ve got the chops. Some of the best books to learn about humor are by Bill Bryson, and “A Walk in the Woods” is one of the best.
Perhaps the best advice when it comes to writing in a conversational style is to relax when you write. Sit back and let yourself go. Write everything that comes to mind. If it turns out terrible, you can always take it out when you edit. The important thing is to be a little daring.
