Exploring the Differences and Similarities Between Speaking and Writing Voices of a Writer

The speaking voice and writing voice of a writer or author often exhibit both similarities and differences which can vary based on individual style and context. This article delves into the nuances of these two voices, exploring how they can align or diverge.

Similarities: A Rich Connection

Despite these differences, the voices of a writer and their spoken communication share several core aspects:

Tone and Style: Both voices may reflect the writer’s personality, including humor, warmth, or formality. A conversational writer may also speak in a similar manner. Vocabulary: Writers often use a consistent vocabulary across both mediums, choosing words that resonate with their audience. Themes and Ideas: The core themes and ideas an author explores in their writing may also surface in their spoken communication.

Differences: A Playful Contrast

While the voices are inherently connected, they also differ in several significant ways:

Structure

Writing is typically more structured, allowing for complex sentence construction and careful editing. In contrast, spoken language is often more spontaneous and informal, with a more varied rhythm and flow influenced by pauses and emphasis.

Pacing

In writing, authors can control pacing through sentence length and paragraph breaks. Speech, on the other hand, has a more varied rhythm and flow, influenced by pauses and emphasis. This can make spoken communication seem more dynamic and engaging.

Use of Language

Writers may avoid colloquialisms or slang to maintain a certain tone, whereas their spoken language might include these elements for relatability. This choice is often a reflection of the context in which the communication takes place.

Audience Engagement

When speaking, authors may adapt their language and style in real time to engage with their audience. For example, using anecdotes or humor that might not appear in their written work can make their speaking voice more relatable and engaging.

Personal Experience

As an author, my speaking voice is kind of loud and sometimes I stutter or forget what I’m going to say. In contrast, my writing voice is more eloquent. When I put my pen to the paper, the words flow effortlessly, using words that I never would have thought of when I’m speaking.

Sometimes when I speak, I refer to certain things as ‘whatchamacallits’ or ‘thingamabobbers’ because they don’t get to my brain quickly enough. In writing, this stiffness is often smoothed out, resulting in a more graceful, flowing, and poetic voice. However, when I speak, I strive to be more real, authentic, and relatable.

Conclusion

In essence, while the speaking and writing voices of an author can be aligned in terms of tone and themes, they often diverge in structure, pacing, and language use. This variability allows authors to connect with their audiences in different ways, making each medium unique. Understanding these differences can help writers and speakers harness the full potential of both their written and spoken communication.