This isn't a large question. Because of the users we have here, I think we could all benefit from short sharp tips to edit our own words.
In this topic, can you provide advice on how to curate yourself when you throw words in speech and on 'paper'.
Links to 'speechcraft' sources are appreciated.
I'll start:
- Take a second to think about how someone else would hear your words if they were you. (rule 0)
- Curate and cut your words before you throw them.
- "Brevity is the soul of wit" - Hamlet - Shakespeare.
Jump in the discussion.
No email address required.
Notes -
I don't think it universally applies to writing, but for public speaking, I feel quite strongly you should just jump right in to whatever you're going to talk about. Don't spend too long on an elaborate self-intro unless your story is inherently gripping, don't have a meta-chat about the circumstances of you being there to speak, just go right in and start strong. A lot of people seem to think that by being self-deprecating or acknowledging your nervousness out loud that makes it better, but that's only a temporary and low-quality self-salve. You're allowed up to two major flubs within the speaking block itself without anyone thinking anything weird about you, and if you want to be self-aware there and then, that's fine, but for the love of God do not begin speaking with it. Anyways, by deciding to launch right in you're already doing some self-curating unconsciously. There's also the nice side effect of slightly decreasing your "um" frequency since you've already started with a habit of being concise and to the point.
On the "looking for advice" side of things, I overuse parentheticals and parenthesis constantly (side notes like this that often become their own mini sentences) and I'm curious if anyone has had that issue and what the did about it (if it even matters, maybe it's fine and good!)
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