Informality in Writing: An Overview
When we think about writing, we tend to picture long, formal documents with lots of jargon and complex language. However, there’s an argument to be made that being more informal in your writing can actually improve its quality and make it more engaging for readers. In this article, we’ll explore why this is the case and how you can start incorporating informality into your own writing practices.
What is Informality in Writing?
Before we dive into the benefits of informal writing, let’s define what we mean by this term. Essentially, informality in writing refers to using language that is conversational, approachable, and easy to understand. This might include things like contractions, slang or idioms, and more colloquial sentence structures. It’s the opposite of the kind of formal writing you might see in legal or academic documents, where the language is often stiff and complex.
The Benefits of Informal Writing
So why might adopting a more informal style of writing be useful? Here are a few potential benefits to consider:
1. It’s More Engaging
When we’re reading something, we don’t want to feel like we’re wading through a sea of technical language and jargon. Informal writing can help to draw readers in and make them feel more connected to the content. This is because it mimics the way we might speak to someone in real life – using relatable language and sentence structures that are easy to follow.
2. It Can Be More Persuasive
If you’re trying to convince someone of something, an informal writing style can be more effective than a formal one. This is because it comes across as less dry and impersonal – you’re more likely to connect with the reader on an emotional level if you’re using language that resonates with them.
3. It Saves Time and Effort
Let’s face it – writing in a complex, formal style can be a real slog. It takes a lot of mental energy to craft sentences that are technically correct but also engaging for readers. By adopting a more informal style, you might find that the words flow more easily and you’re able to write more quickly without sacrificing quality.
How to Incorporate Informality into Your Writing
If you’re sold on the idea of writing more informally, how can you start making this shift? Here are a few tips to try:
1. Use Contractions
This is one of the easiest ways to make your writing more conversational. Instead of writing “Do not” or “I am,” try “Don’t” or “I’m” instead. This small change can make a big difference in creating a more approachable tone.
2. Get Rid of Unnecessary Jargon
When you’re writing about a complex topic, it can be tempting to rely on jargon and technical terms to make yourself sound more knowledgeable. However, this often has the opposite effect – it makes your writing harder to understand and less engaging. Try to explain concepts in simpler language, or use analogies and examples to help readers grasp the content.
3. Vary Your Sentence Length
If all of your sentences are the same length, your writing can start to sound robotic and monotonous. Mix things up by using shorter sentences for impact, or longer ones to give the reader a chance to catch their breath. This can make your writing feel more dynamic and interesting to read.
Conclusion
While formal writing certainly has its place, there’s a lot to be said for incorporating informality into your writing practices as well. By doing so, you can create content that is more engaging, persuasive, and easier to read. With a few simple tweaks to your language and style, you can start reaping the benefits of informal writing today.
