Conversational Writing Style - Pros and Cons

October 14, 2003 2 | Comments (Closed)

As you might have noticed, most of my writing here is of a conversational nature. That’s the way I like it and it’s a style that I’ve tried (am still trying) to develop. I could have gone with something more formal, but this is a personal site. At times I cover topics of a professional nature, but I’d like my readers to know that there is a person behind everything that gets posted here.

As Asterisk* has developed so has my style, and while there is a long (really, really long) way to go I’ve made some observations about writing for the Web, and adopting a conversational or relaxed writing style for both personal and professional Web writing.

Conversational style, on the surface anyway, seems to fit in perfectly with what the Web is all about. Communication, making connections, sharing information and all the rest — it’s about people. There can be great benefits in going with a relaxed, personal writing style over something more formal. The are quite a few drawbacks as well, many of them just the flip-side of the benefits. I think it really comes back to your audience and the goals you’ve laid out.

Pros of Conversational Style

• Identification with your readers. This is especially true with Web sites that allow comments or encourage feedback. You’ll score points with your readers if they feel like they have your attention and can get to know the writer.


• Easier editing. With a this kind of style you’ll be able to self-edit more, and if you are doing it right, you’re readers will edit your writing and be very tolerant of mistakes, but be careful.


• Less writers block. By adopting this style you can be yourself, talk about things that are important to you and your ideas and words will come a bit easier.


• More reader participation. Your readers will feel more involved and want to be a part of what you are doing. On a professional site this can translate into more business. On a personal site — more fun.

Cons of Conversational Style

• Your readers could easily not identify with you. They may not take you seriously if you are too informal with them. They may not like you, after all they don’t really know you in person.


• Poor writing quality. This type of style can lead you easily down the road of sloppy writing and factual mistakes. This is something to watch out for, as you may lose credibility with your readers.


• Critisism. If you adopt this style and have any measure of success you will be criticized, and that is something you’ll need to deal with.


• Misrepresentation. It can be very easy to misrepresent yourself with this kind of style. After all many of your readers may have never met you in person and may not get some of the subtleties of your writing style.

In my experience, if proper care is taken to make sure it’s done right, a casual, conversational style can be perfect for many Web sites, both personal and professional. There are drawbacks, but I feel the positives outweigh the negatives in many cases.

It’s all dependent on your audience and your goals, but as I’m sure you know, writing for the Web is unlike any other type of writing and the old rules, while shouldn’t be disregarded entirely, need to be bent a bit.

Much of our conversation on the Web is two way, and a conversational style helps invite that all important second party into the mix. No one wants to talk to themselves…Right?

;0)

Filed under: Web General