Communications Insight For More Inspiring Leaders Why Care About The Difference Between Written And Spoken Commmunication?

Why Care About The Difference Between Written And Spoken Commmunication?

 7th Jan 2022
Why care about the difference between written and spoken communication?

…because they really DO function very differently. In the working world, who wants to be read to? Nor do listeners want delivery to sound like a badly rehearsed play.

But so much prepared spoken content is written, drafted and reworked in”Writer Mode” rather than “Speaker Mode”.

If you’ve ever written a script or notes or slides and then, on delivery, found that you sounded clunky or like you’re reading an essay, then you’ll know what I mean.

This afternoon, I’m (re)watching Aaron Sorkin’s Masterclass on Screenwriting (he wrote The West Wing, A Few Good Men and much, much more). Love that man. He's stunning.

But he's the first to admit in his Masterclass:

“Unfortunately, and I apologise for this in advance, when I’m speaking out loud as opposed to writing... I swerve all over the road.

“I can’t go in a straight line from the beginning of the sentence to the end of the sentence and I would much rather communicate with the world on paper, where I have an opportunity just to be on my own in my room and get it right.”

Was there a more honest insight?

Assuming you do not always have that same opportunity at work (!) a tip for you:

Talk through your content/ideas with someone you know and trust; record what you say and transcribe THAT. You’re guaranteed a more authentic draft, one you can amend accordingly, not least to remove the fillers!

#communication #writing #workingfromhome #communicationskills #publicspeakingcoach

We are incredibly fortunate to have Simon guiding us on a range of techniques and skills. His experience, counsel and passion are all hugely appreciated by decision makers from across 70 different countries.

 

Oliver Blake | Director and Co-Founder, Blake Evans & Co

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