If you’ve ever attended a lecture or speech where the speaker has droned on in a monotone, you’ll know how boring it can be.
Good writing uses a variety of techniques and styles that continually work to engage the reader’s interest. No-one wants to write in a way that puts their audience to sleep, because it is boring.
When you are writing, you don’t have the option of modifying the tone of voice, as you do when you are speaking. This is why writers should use variety in the way they write, ensuring the reader’s interest is maintained.
Writers should use a variety of different styles to express their ideas.
- One technique is to ensure you use paragraphs and sentences of varying lengths throughout the piece of writing. Some sentences should be quite short. This can add impact.
One of the most dramatic verses in the bible, for example, is one of the shortest. At the grave of his friend Lazarus, with all the disciples and a large crowd gathered around to see what Jesus would do, we are simply told two words: “Jesus wept.”
Using short sentences to break up long pieces of text adds interest and impact to the writing. However, if every single sentence is short, you end up feeling like you are reading a child’s story. “The cat sat on the mat. See Dick run. See Jane run.” BORING! Obviously, good writers will use variety in the length of sentences.
Diversity in the words used can also add interest and stop the reader falling asleep. Good editors will always look at the page to see if the same words are repeated several times. Use synonyms to make your writing more exciting. Expand your vocabulary to utilize the delicious variety of words available in the English language.
- Excellent writers will not start each sentence with the same word, or start each paragraph in the same way. It looks dull, especially as many readers will scan the page before starting to read. If every paragraph starts with the same word, it can be confusing and tedious to read.
- Sometimes using different characters to tell the story is far more interesting to read, than just one voice within the text. Consider the options for using different styles within your writing such as poetry, prose, letters, quotations, conversation and monologue. Use a variety of techniques to develop the plot and storyline of your writing.
- Reading many different authors’ work will encourage diversity and variety in your own writing styles. Even if you find you don’t enjoy reading the work, look at the language used to discover why. You may find styles that suit your writing come naturally, but every now and then you should challenge yourself to try a new style of writing, just to expand your skills and continue to engage your audience.
Anyone who is serious about the craft of writing will use a variety of techniques within their work. Diversity adds interest, is more entertaining and more likely to be read. Writers should be able to write competently on a wide variety of topics, in different voices and characters and using a large vocabulary. Titillate your audience with new words, styles and forms of writing.
Please note:
This is my last post for a couple of weeks as I’m going to take a break over Christmas and New Year period. I’ll be back in early January 2009 (can you believe we’re almost into 2009!!) to continue on with the CREATIVE HABITS series.
Until then I wish you and your loved ones all the best over the festive season and stay safe and happy.
Best wishes, Jan 
