Persuasive Writing

If you can think, you can write

I was going to name this post, "If you can talk, you can write," but that's not true. Just listen to some of the people around you. If we're going to be honest, they really should keep their mouths shut. I'm sure this doesn't apply to you, however.

Good writing is conversational in style. It should speak directly to the reader without the impediments of complicated words or sentence structure. It should be an honest, from-the-heart attempt to reach another person. Or at the very least, it should sound that way.

Good writing should sound like an informed, honest, reasonably smart person talking. It's really a monologue. If you can think in an orderly fashion, you can write.

Conversational standards, text messaging and e-mail -- not to mention semi-literate contemporary slang -- have degraded the spoken word. Many, many people take so many shortcuts in their communications that they cannot rely on their ears to tell them if their writing is effective. But I'm being an old crank. My audience requires standard English in a casual style. Perhaps yours wants to be asked, "Whassup, Dawg?"

Know who you're writing for, think through what you're going to say, and write in the language that your audience understands.

If you believe what you're saying, you're halfway there

I started this blog because of the high volume of traffic I'm getting on my freelance writing web site, www.SuperWriter.com, for people desperate for help with persuasive writing. If you're looking for a professional writer to write something for you, please go to my web site for my contact information. I'll be glad to help.

If you're a student or someone who needs to write your persuasive piece yourself, well, then this blog is for you. I'll be glad to help. I won't write it for you. I write for pay and I'm not cheap.

Plus, it would be wrong for me to write it for you. Think how much better your life will be if you know how to write persuasively. This is a learning experience for you, and you may be surprised to learn how easy it is. You can do it!

I'm not heartless. I'm not going to leave you to your own panic. I'll help you through this. Just don't call me. Read my posts, buy the books I recommend and engage in discussions (comments sections) when you don't understand or have a suggestion for someone else.

First, calm down. Whether you simply don't think you can do it or you've waited too long to start, it really doesn't matter at this point. Your panic is not helping you.

So, get comfortable. Calm yourself down. Take some deep breaths. Give your hands something to fidget with, such as a cup of mint tea or a pencil. Now start thinking about your topic.

If you chose it yourself, jot down a few notes on just why you chose it. I hope one of those reasons is because you believe your topic or the point you need to make is true. If so, you're halfway there.

If you don't believe in your topic, you have two choices. If your persuasive writing piece will be used in the real world to talk people into thinking or doing something you don’t endorse, for heaven’s sake, don’t do it! You’ll hurt others – and yourself. Keep your integrity. Stand up for your convictions and don't write it. Don't talk anybody into something you don't believe is true.

Now, if you don't believe in it but what you believe isn’t important because this is an academic exercise or one designed to help you in some other way, keep going. How's your acting? What you're going to need to do is become an actor on the stage (or rather, on  your keyboard) and take on the role of a person who believes in your topic. Spend some time thinking about who this person is and why they believe as they do. Make this imaginary person someone you care about -- perhaps a family member or close friend. Feel for them. Step into their shoes and head. And then, believe their belief.

You're halfway there.

Copyright 2007 by Anne Creed