Should You Write Like You Speak?

Writers often hear the advice, “Write like you speak.”  But is that good advice for bloggers?

YES: if it means you avoid jargon, write with your audience in mind, and reveal a bit of personality in your writing.

NO: if it means you blog without thought or effort.

If you’ve just flipped the lid on the top of your head and poured out whatever was top of mind at the moment, don’t expect me to read it.  If you haven’t worked at finding matter that will interest me and a way of expressing it that will draw me in, don’t waste my time…or yours.

Write (and revise, and write again) so that what you finally publish sounds like you’re speaking to me, directly, and telling me what I most need to hear.