Writing Is Not Like Speaking–Or Is It?
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This question has been on my mind as I prepare to teach Public Speaking at a local college this summer. The excellent textbook selected by the college takes students through every aspect of preparing and delivering a speech. As I work my way through the book and prepare lesson plans, I’ve been struck by how often the advice also works for writing.
The book, for example, emphasizes the importance of having clearly defined goals for every speech and of tailoring talks for different audiences. Hmmm, sounds like good advice for the written word, as well.
Some of the instruction, of course, only applies to public speaking. When you’re sitting alone at your computer, dressing appropriately for the occasion is a non-issue, and you can gesture all you want without distracting your audience.
But much of the advice works as well for writing a report or website text as for developing a persuasive or instructional speech. Good communication is good communication whatever the mode of delivery. So however you’re communicating, make sure you know your audience, have clear goals, stick to your message, and say as much as you need to and no more. You’ll be a better public speaker–and a better writer.