Ditch the Dictionary: Write Like You Speak

How to write clearly and connect with your readers

Rick Martinez
3 min readSep 20, 2024

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Via Depositphotos

You’ve got a story in you, a message that could possibly change someone’s life.

But here’s the truth — nobody’s going to read it if your writing sounds like an academic paper or, worse, a tax form. We’re not in a lecture hall; we’re sitting across from each other at a coffee shop, sharing stories. Let’s break down how you can strip the complexity from your writing and genuinely connect with your audience.

Trust me, this isn’t just about writing; it’s about being heard.

Speak Like a Friend, Not a Professor

Ever caught yourself zoning out during a conversation when someone starts using big, fancy words?

That’s exactly how your readers feel when your writing is too formal. To fix this, imagine you’re explaining your idea to a friend using simple, straightforward language. Here’s what to do next: write your first draft as you normally would. Then, go back and rewrite any sentence that feels stiff, as if you’re translating it for a friend who doesn’t speak “jargon.”

Clarity Beats Complexity Every Time

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Rick Martinez

* Professional ghostwriter and USA Today Bestselling author * My mission: revolutionize the world of non-fiction writing. * Helping folks write their book