The Fallacy & Finding Your Voice as a Writer

THE FALLACY

I do not write like I speak.

Yep, exactly! I’d never say that. I should’ve written, “I don’t write like I speak.”

When speaking, I rarely break up contractions like don’t and say do not.

I normally try to be as laid back as possible. I may get technical or detailed, or I may even drop in a big word or two if I think it’s needed. However, now as I attempt to write daily, publish weekly, and record an audio “devo” every Monday, I need to refine how I write.

Or maybe I don’t need to but as I listened to my audio devotional from Monday, October 20th, it exposed the fallacy in my writing.

I literally HATED how it sounded.

Normally, I rather enjoy my voice. 🙂

But when listening to me read what I already wrote—it was so monotone and disgusting—I realized there’s a gap between my writing and my speaking.

When I write, I have more time to think. I refine and elaborate. I try be descriptive and detailed because I heard somewhere that’s what makes good writing.

But I prefer people who write in a more conversational tone. Though quality and skill are important, I love it when a person is real and authentic and approachable.

Instead of being real, I try to be right. I try to be the best, instead of my best.

But I think I’m learning what I need to do.

How to Find Your Writing Voice

I actually heard this story a few times and again heard it last week while listening to (link) this podcast. And so, after the experience of my first audio post, I realize how much I need to grasp the same concept.

The story is from Tim Ferris and how he found his voice writing The 4-Hour Work Week.

If you don’t know who Tim Ferris is, he’s an author who’s written three New York Times Bestsellers: The 4-Hour Work Week, The 4-Hour Body, and The 4-Hour Chef.

All of which I’ve purchased and thoroughly enjoyed; however, the first one, The 4-Hour Work Week, was most impactful.

Some of my takeaways from the book were how to work more efficiently in your job, i.e. getting more done in less time, how to build an online business in your spare time, how to hire a virtual assistant, why you should hire a virtual assistant, plus various unconventional ways for living, working, and enjoying life.

Nevertheless, here’s the story of how Tim found his voice for his book.

On his first draft, he found the tone was pompous and arrogant. Having just graduated from Princeton, he was caught up in using lofty words that were totally unnecessary. Though the information was good, the style just wouldn’t work and he knew it.

In his second draft, he went to the opposite extreme. His language was loose, with jokes in every paragraph. Though he had travelled the world and lived a life many would be envious of, he wasn’t helping people trust him with the non-stop hilarity.

Finally, he found a sweet spot.

What he did next was quite brilliant. He opened up his email and wrote as if he was drafting a message to two close friends. This gave him the perfect balance of being direct, honest, and appropriately humorous.

For me, I have to take this one step further.

In addition to knowing who I’m writing for, I have to read it aloud and make sure it sounds right.

When I stop and read my writing aloud, I can better assess how it flows. Could I or would I say these exact words the same way, with my natural voice? If I were talking with my wife or a friend on the phone, could I be myself and be reading this verbatim?

That’s what I want.

I want it to flow.
Naturally.
Smoothly.
And with authenticity.

If you have any additional tips to share, please leave me a note in the comments below!

Thanks and Create a Great Day!
@ArvellCraig