Change the Script
Writing in and of itself can be hard, but the more you do it the better you get. How about writing a piece to be spoken versus writing a piece to be read? There’s no difference, is there? Well, yes there are a few differences. I have this conversation on a regular basis with my Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) at work. I’ll hear something like, “So here’s my PowerPoint and I’ve added the script in the notes section. You can just use my notes for the script.” After reviewing the “script,” 99% of the time I find the SME has written notes that are from their Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). In addition, when read, the notes can often be 2 minutes or more of content. My next step is usually to convert the slide notes to a more conversational narrative. I typically take a pass at two or three slides and then consult with the SME. I usually ask the SME to read both versions of the script out loud. What I usually hear next is, “Oh, your script reads so much better than mine. How’d you do that?” I’ve had a lot of practice converting readable text into scripts over the past ten years. It’s not magic, but script writing requires a different approach. In this article, we’ll look at both writing styles, their nuances, and explore a few examples.
Mind’s Eye vs, Listener’s Ear
Writing for speech and writing for reading, while both essential skills, cater to different aspects of communication. Each style has its unique characteristics and is effective in its respective domain. When you write to read you want to allow the reader to visualize what you are describing, whereas when you write for spoken word you want to evoke emotion from the listener.
Mind’s Eye
Articles, books, and reports engage the reader’s logic and thought. You convey your ideas and facts linearly and in a detailed fashion. Let’s consider a descriptive narrative.
Descriptive Narrative: “The ancient forest was a labyrinth of towering oaks and whispering pines, their branches intertwining to form a canopy that danced with dappled sunlight.”
This type of writing allows the reader to create vivid pictures in their mind based on the highly detailed and complex language. Additionally, writing for reading has permanence because the reader can revisit the text and analyze it at any time. The reader is in control of the consumable. Now, let’s examine the listener’s ear.
Listener’s Ear
Spoken word is more “closer to song than an essay.” (Brown) This is because a speech is connecting to their audience in real-time. The human voice’s tone, pace, and inflection are what bring the words to life. Additionally, subtle nuances such as body language and facial expressions have an impact on how the listener responds. Instead of relying on detailed information, like in a book, speech writing is about evoking emotions, creating a memorable experience, and most importantly, maintaining the audience’s attention. Using the earlier example, let’s now adapt the narrative for a speech.
Adapted for Speech: “Picture this: an ancient forest, filled with towering oaks and pines. Sunlight streams through the tree branches, creating patterns on the ground. It’s like stepping into a labyrinth.”
Other Characteristics
Reading
In addition to the mind’s eye and listener’s ear, there are several other characteristics that distinguish writing for reading from writing for speech. At a high level, writing for reading engages the reader’s intellect through structure, form, detail, and precision. Sentences are generally more complex. All this allows the writer to communicate ideas or facts and allows the reader to infer the meaning based on their personal perspective. Another characteristic is that the writing creates a lasting record that can span time. Since the writing can span time, the reader can consume it asynchronously.
Speech
Writing for speech, on the other hand, is fluid. Writers of the spoken word have a specific purpose in their style. Not only must the speech evoke emotion, but it must also be simple and clear. Language written for speech must be relevant for the audience. Think about the difference in the tone and style of a business report on the financial health of the company in contrast with a speech about civil rights. In addition to being simple and clear, a speech writer must also focus on key points and be more conversational. This could mean the speech contains contractions, slang, or less formal language than would be used when writing for reading.
Understanding the Audience
Before we wrap up, another key difference is the audience’s role. In written communication, the reader is an observer, absorbing information at their own pace. In oral communication, the audience is a participant, reacting to and interacting with the speaker in real-time. This dynamic nature of speech requires writers to be concise, use simple language, and ensure their message is easily digestible.
Final Thoughts
Now that we’ve defined the purpose of each type of writing, is one form or writing any better than the other? No. As a writer, your style and approach depend on your purpose. The world needs effective writers for both reading and speech, but when you’re writing remember to keep the points in this article in mind. Ask yourself, “How will my audience consume what I’m writing?” Think about your message and tailor your approach to the way your content will be consumed. Adapting to the medium you are writing for will enhance your ability to communicate effectively and connect more meaningfully with your audience.
References
Bright, W. (n.d.). What’s the difference between speech and writing? | linguistic society … https://www.linguisticsociety.org/resource/whats-difference-between-speech-and-writing
Brown, B. (2018, December). Writing for the spoken word. Toastmasters International -. https://www.toastmasters.org/magazine/magazine-issues/2018/dec2018/29-toastmasters-toolbox
Essberger, J. (2011). Speaking versus writing. EnglishClub.com. https://www.englishclub.com/esl-articles/200108.php
King, D. (2005). Writing for (not by) the ear. Writing. https://www.writing-world.com/grammar/ear.shtml
Swenson, J. (2017, October 24). Writing for the ear instead of the eye. Swenson Book Development. https://www.swensonbookdevelopment.com/blog/2017/writing-for-the-ear-instead-of-the-eye/
