Writing v Speaking

Stunted · Dec 6, 2009

In what ways are your speaking and writing voices different or the same?

Caitlin Black · Dec 6, 2009

I'm more observant in my writing, and more nervous in my speaking.

As for word choices and expressions etc. then I'd have to say that I use fuller sentences in writing (instead of leaving out the occasional word in speech - though in dialogue I keep an eye on realism) and I'm ten times more likely to swear or talk about people's mothers in my writing...

Writing: The Matrix crossed with Clerks (for current WIP anyway)
Speaking: The Simpsons crossed with Neighbours :/

Sevvy · Dec 7, 2009

I write better English than I speak, which is why I'm a writer and not a public speaker.

Plus I don't have an accent when I write.

C.M.C. · Dec 7, 2009

I don't have awkward pauses on the page. That's a nice change of pace,

scarletpeaches · Dec 7, 2009

I'm much more formal a speaker. I've been 'trained', you could say.

Every time I give a speech/talk, I'm complimented on it and that's cool, because it shows I've mastered the art of hiding my nerves. They're still there; you just become a better actor!

I enjoy writing more. Way more. I'd much rather write a speech for someone else than give one.

And fiction is more fun IMO anyway.

ChaosTitan · Dec 7, 2009

Stunted said:
In what ways are your speaking and writing voices different or the same?

My speaking voice has a Delmarva accent, and I tend to use local colloquialisms.

My writing voice is generally much closer to the voice of my character (I usually write first person), so I write how they talk. Not how I talk.

scarletpeaches · Dec 7, 2009

^^^This.

I speak in my voice, write in my characters'.

theantisplice · Dec 7, 2009

When I speak, I find myself using colloquialisms. I also babble or go off on tangents fairly easily in informal settings. I also "verb" words sometimes - that is, turn nouns into verbs for silliness' sake.

Example:
Correct - I'm making dinner. I'll call you back.
Verbed - I'm dinnering. I'll call you back.

Writing is (clearly) different. I can't babble or go off on tangents - don't want to waste the reader's time or hurt the story. Also, the verbing would just read as childish and stupid off a page (unless it was a character's tendency, but I haven't had that happen yet.)

Namatu · Dec 7, 2009

Depends on my writing. Aside from creative, my writing tends to be pretty formal. I often will not contract words, e.g. "do not" instead of "don't". Creatively, unless it's the character, my writing is much more relaxed, and I hope it stays true to the character of whatever POV I'm in.

Shadow_Ferret · Dec 7, 2009

I try my best not to speak. I carry a small blackboard around with me when I want to communicate to others.

Never talk to me in the rain.

mscelina · Dec 7, 2009

Public speaking and debate paid for my education. It also, unfortunately, impacted my writing. I ttend to write more formally than most people do, because I'm looking at how I would say the words. I usually have to go back and tone down the formality in my narrative voice.

Yeah, I do it backwards. Guilty as charged.

Mr Flibble · Dec 7, 2009

I write more formally than I speak ( or rather most of my characters do).

But, that ain't hard, izznet?

ETA: that said, I've got a character brewing ( who'll be done in first) who is going to talk even filthier than I do

scarletpeaches · Dec 7, 2009

Is that possible?

Mr Flibble · Dec 7, 2009

scarletpeaches said:
Is that possible?

Hehe you have no idea. He really is a flithy little monkey.

JoNightshade · Dec 7, 2009

Speaking, whether in front of a group or casually, my words and sentences are much simpler. I don't like making other people feel stupid and I feel bad when I see that glazed look in someone's eye like "Oh crap what did she just say?" I started doing this after some asshole said something to me in Italian just to sound "educated" and when I asked him to translate he just kept repeating the same thing like I should know. I don't like to feel stupid so I extend the same courtesy to others.

Oh, and until recently I thought I had the standard flat Californian TV accent, but then I made a little video on my husband's iPhone and when I listened to myself I realized I do have my own distinct accent. Not sure what it is, though.

Writing: I use big words when necessary.

Clair Dickson · Dec 7, 2009

In speaking and writing both, I come up with the best way to express the idea after two or three tries. That means in speaking, I'm apt to 'repeat' myself as I come up with better versions. In writing, I can delete the first attempts...

I have different speaking voices, too, though. I use profanity a whole lot more at home than I do at school, in public forums, and around people who I don't know well enough to know if they find profanity offensive.

I'm a lot filthier on the page, too, than my public persona. But less filthy on page than I am at home...

No one really suspects that the quiet girl with the glasses is rude, crude, and vulgar.

Maxinquaye · Dec 7, 2009

IdiotsRUs said:
Hehe you have no idea. He really is a flithy little monkey.

But you haven't met me. How can you...?

Oh.

Carry on.

Sandy Shin · Dec 7, 2009

I have a heavy accent and often cannot speak coherently, which is why I much prefer writing to speaking. I also fail at writing, but at least with writing, I can revise before hitting "reply."

Maxinquaye · Dec 7, 2009

I don't sound like this guy, except sometimes...

Raynfall · Dec 7, 2009

I speak both English and French, having been raised in a bilingual Quebec household and moving to America during my young teens; I still speak with a Quebecois accent.

I write strictly in English, in a far more prose-like and beautiful method than my speech.

defcon6000 · Dec 7, 2009

Writing is so much easier than speaking, thus I write rather than speak. :tongue

...except when it is unavoidable.

Linda Adams · Dec 7, 2009

I can write fantastic instructions, but tell people the instructions--they give me a glassy-eyed look and tell me I'm going too fast.

JoNightshade · Dec 7, 2009

...Oh yeah, and I've been told on numerous occasions that my stories (when spoken aloud) are too long and detailed. I get cut off a lot.

Nobody gets to cut me off when I'm writing a novel.

Writing v Speaking

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