Writing like you talk – a pro copywriter’s top tips

You’re not alone.

Many people struggle with making their writing sound natural and engaging. 

But what if I told you that the key to more effective writing is as simple as writing like you talk?

This quick guide is packed with practical writing tips and techniques to help you achieve a conversational tone. 

Whether you’re crafting an email, writing a blog post, or polishing web copy, these tips will help you communicate with your folks more clearly and authentically. 

First, why writing like you talk matters

If you want your copy to make you money, writing like you talk has many benefits. 

It makes your content clear, relatable, and engaging. 

Plus, when you write as you speak, your personality shines through, making it easier for readers to connect with you.

Think about it. 

When you’re having a conversation, you’re not using big words or complex sentences. You’re simply expressing your thoughts in the easiest way to understand. 

The same applies to your writing. 

By writing like you talk, you create a natural flow that draws readers in and keeps them interested and buying.

Want a real-world example?

Consider popular blogs or social media posts you enjoy. Chances are, they have a conversational tone that feels like a friend sharing a story or advice. 

This relatable style is a big part of their appeal.

Writing like you speak can also help you communicate your ideas more effectively.

One of the biggest misunderstandings about writing like you talk is that it is unprofessional and will turn people off.

But actually, the opposite is true – they will likely be turned on (in a professional sense of course)!

Tips to Write Like You Talk

Ok, so you’re sold on the principle, let’s dive straight into the practicalities.

Writing like you talk sounds so simple. If you can talk it, you should be able to write it — right?

Sadly, it does take a little more practice to get the hang of it.

Here are some top tips…

Use simple language

Avoid jargon and complex terms. Instead of saying “utilise,” say “use.” Simple language makes your writing more accessible and easier to understand.

Short sentences and paragraphs:

Keep sentences and paragraphs short to make them easy to read. Breaking down long sentences into shorter ones helps keep your writing clear and engaging.

Active voice:

Use active voice to make your writing more dynamic. 

For example, say, “I wrote the article” instead of “The article was written by me.” 

Techniques to find your voice

What do you sound like when you talk?

This can often be the trickier part of the equation. It’s one thing to write simply. 

It’s another thing to recognise your unique quirks that make your writing distinguishable from everyone else.

Here are 3 steps you shouldn’t skip…

Read aloud

Reading your writing aloud can help you catch awkward phrasing and unnatural tone. If it sounds strange when spoken, it will likely feel off to your readers as well.

Record yourself

Transcribe discussions you’ve had about your topic. This might be on calls to clients or even podcast interviews. 

This can help you capture the quirks that make your voice yours, as you’re essentially writing down your spoken words.

Write to one person

When writing, imagine you’re talking to a friend over coffee. 

This mental exercise can help you keep your tone casual and engaging, making your writing feel more like a conversation.

This is a great tip generally for high-converting copywriting. You want people to feel like you’re talking to them directly.

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

This might shock you—

You could be turning off your ideal customers with overly formal language… and not even realise it!

Here are the common copy traps to avoid.

Elevated language

If you’ve got a fancy brand, it’s easy to think long, convoluted phrases will represent this best. 

But it’s simply not true.

You don’t have to use slang or be overly familiar, but simpler, more conversational words and phrases will still serve you well.

Jargon

When you work in an industry long enough it’s easy to slip into using jargon. But if your customers knew as much as you did they would need to hire you.

Try replacing all your jargon with a simple description instead. For example, instead of “high-converting website”, I might say “a website that gets more sales”.

Confusing ideas

This is probably the most common misstep I see.

If you’re confused about what you’re trying to say, your writing will be confusing to read. 

That’s why inside Site Launcher Lab, we spend the majority of our time getting clear on what you need to say in what order.

Because then the writing part is much easier than figuring out which angle to take.

Practical exercises to write like you talk

Just like all good habits, writing like you speak is something best practised often.

Here are 3 fun writing habits that will strengthen your voice and copywriting skills…

Daily journaling

Practice writing as you speak by keeping a daily journal. 

Write about your day or any topic that interests you, focusing on releasing a stream of consciousness (getting your thoughts onto paper as they pop into your head).

Writing prompts

Use writing prompts to get started. 

Prompts can help spark ideas and give you a specific focus, making it easier to practice writing like you talk.

Google “writing prompts” for some ideas, but for copywriting, look for really simple ones like: “Write about your favourite pair of jeans” or “The day you lost all the photos in your phone”.

Phone a friend

Ask friends or colleagues about things you say all the time. 

If you have young kids (like me), notice the things they parrot back to you.

Inserting pet names, quirky catchphrases, or puns can become your trademark. 

However, use sparingly, or it’ll sound contrived!

Make the switch from formal to friendly

Writing like you talk can transform your writing, making it more engaging and relatable. 

Give these tips a try and see how quickly they improve your copy and boost engagement and sales.

Want more practical ways to attract more sales without feeling gross, sounding inauthentic, or sitting in front of a blank Google Doc for hours?

Check out Feel Good Copy and get my proven FEELS FORMULA for more empathy-driven sales from every email, social media post, and sales page.