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Wondering "How to Put That in Writing", Write "That"

By Heinz Tschabitscher, About.com

Almost everything we read carries the hidden message: writing is radically different from talking.

Writing Is Different

The newspaper article is written in a language that differs radically from the way the reporter told the story to his son at the dinner table. The professor used sentences in his book he'd never say aloud in a classroom.

And written communication does indeed differ from oral communication. Writing often helps the thinking and makes things clearer. So, starting to write is no reason to begin using a very roundabout way of saying things.

Do You Feel Like Translating What You Want to Say to Written Word?

And if you feel the urge to "translate" what you're thinking to proper written language, if you wonder "how to put that in writing",

  • try, simply, writing it down the way you were thinking it.

Imagine a dear friend, eager, willing and able to help you. Ask them: "How do I put that in writing?" Now explain what you're trying to say. If you write down your explanation word for word, chances are that will be all the help you need.

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