Some us are writers and desire to express ourselves in whatever is our style. Some of use mixed genre, fiction, nonfiction, advocacy, poetry, informative speech, humor, romance, reportage, opinion. We desire to entertain, educate, provoke conversation and thought, critical thinking, emotion and release.
Some of us use writer venues to practice and prepare our public presentations. Critiques of those rough drafts are essential. There are alternatives to writer groups. There are books. There are courses. The tried and haphazard "do it yourself" in a vacuum behind your locked [fill in the correct word] door. Of course, there's the mandatory practice in order to learn, perfect, develop the ability to do more effectively and faster with little concentration involved because the practice has caused delivery to become instinctive. And there's the critical thinking involved in creating the content.
Unfortunately, some audiences don't leave comments or evaluations so the speaker/presenter moves on in blindness while attempting to sort out for their own selves what was good and effective, what needs attention (as well as specific attention). That's when it becomes rough going because self evaluation and critiques can sometimes focus on adjusting what doesn't need attention - while other parts need work. (Isn't it wonderful that there are content editors available?)
Some of us simply want to convey our joy through a particular type of communication and share it with the rest of the world. But that "P" word [practice] is a critical part of lifting one's voice. The message needs to be effective and attractive so that it can be heard through the speaker's (writer's) voice.
So being part of a communication group, be it Toastmasters, a writers group, a class in some form of writing, is critical to perfecting the message and shaping the voice so the message can be heard.
The beauty of some online writers groups is that they focus on more than merely producing content. Some more effective groups engage in conversation about what some styles are - and then launch into practicing that style. Others share awareness of venues where content is being sought or availability of venues where a certain type of content is sought for publication. They become an unofficial Writer's Market via word of keyboard.
The point is we have voices that convey a particular message in a particular style for a particular reason. Rather than writing in a vacuum and have reception of the message go through hit-or-miss success, it's far better to use our social skills to practice using our voices raise the effectiveness of what's said.
Do you know the name of your Muse?
For Your Consideration:
- WordWizards online writers group
- So You Want to Start a Podcast: Finding Your Voice, Telling Your Story, and Building a Community That Will Listen
- 3 Tips For Writing Web Copy That Converts
- How to Use Imagery: 9 Songwriting Tips with Andrea Stolpe
- HR Genius
