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Two Sides of the Same Doughnut
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John Caruso
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Aug 24, 2004 13:18 PDT
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Two Sides of the Same Doughnut
When we write, we put words down on a page. When we speak, we spew words
out into the ether. Although very different propositions, each can
benefit from a fusion of the two. This magical amalgamation lies in the
common denominator: language. The written word and the spoken word are
but two sides of the same doughnut.
But what of paper and ether and doughnuts? A lot. Exercising our writing
skills before we speak has obvious benefits. Simply ask the poor fellow
who decided to simply “wing it” when giving a speech to his board of
directors. Ask the hapless groom who decided he didn’t have to write
down those vows because “the perfect words would just come when needed.”
Ask an actor who doesn’t have a script. (Calm down, calm down, I hear
you improvisation proponents grumbling over that last statement. I
submit that improvisation work is a way to train yourself how to compose
more quickly—and what is composition if not writing?) In order to
present a clear, concise, compelling presentation, it behooves us to
write it down, work it out, hone it before we speak. Even in non-formal
situations, I believe that an immersion in the written word, whether
through writing or reading, helps one to speak more eloquently because
the more we are exposed to words (and creative ways to link them) the
better we are at processing them.
As for the rich, chocolaty side of the doughnut, our writing prospers
when we take a few minutes to read it out loud. Often, a sentence or
phrase sounds fine in our busy little heads, but when we read it out
loud it sounds stilted, rambling, or just plain off. Reading your words
out loud helps you to identify where your cadence falters or your
run-ons run on. Dialogue, in particular, benefits from this approach.
After all, it is the written representation of speech. If it doesn’t
sound right coming from your mouth, it won’t ring true on the page. This
doesn’t mean you sit down and write a word-for-word, um-for-um
transcription. It simply means that reading your dialogue out loud will
help you to distill your words into their best possible arrangement. The
ear can hear what the writer’s brain doesn’t.
For the next few weeks, try out these concepts. Write before your speak,
and speak as you write. After all, you’ll still be biting into the same
doughnut.
John Caruso
joh-@coffeehouseforwriters.com
Copyright 2004, John Caruso
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