Freelance Writing Tip – Read Your Stuff Out Loud
June 11, 2008 by Anne Wayman
Filed under Jobs
Once again I’m rather surprised at how helpful reading my writing out loud is. I don’t do it with everything; maybe I should.
It’s embarrassing at first, but the truth is probably no one can hear me, and even if they could, it’s so valuable I’d just tell them what I’m doing.
There’s something that my ear will hear that my eye won’t see. Some of it is probably because I’m used to looking at what I write… I watch it appear on the screen or read it printed on paper. But I suspect something else is happening. When I read what I’ve written out loud I not only spot errors, but often pick up places where I’ve been less than clear. I even find areas I’ve left out and need to add!
Read your stuff out loud. It’s darn close to magic.
Write well and often,
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I have found that to be true as well. It’s a jolt to hear a skipped word or too-long sentence when something is read out loud. Skimming through it on the screen doesn’t have anywhere near the same effect.
exactly!
I’ve been reading my work out loud for a long time. It helps me find those unwieldy, ridiculously long sentences that I can write from time to time. It also helps me find typos and sentences that just don’t make any sense.
I do feel odd about it sometimes though – like I’m being caught talking to myself or something.
Marijke
http://www.helpmyhurt.com
http://www.wombwithin.com
I’ve gotten over feeling odd, unless I know there’s someone around who can hear me. MzTiz, my tabby doesn’t count… she knows I’m nuts, but loves me anyway.
I couldn’t agree more. It’s an absolutely essential part of editing my own work. By saying it out loud, I can put myself in the readers place and correct the tone, simplify the message or fix any grammatical mistakes. Then I’m assured that what the end reader sees is the information they want/need within the best messaging.
Mary
http://www.TheWordSlingers.com
Well said, Mary