Power of The Written Word

As human brain developed so did the feelings and desire to express them. The need led to development of the language. From howls and moans to the meaningful words today, humans have made a great achievement. Same applies to writing too.

What started as signs is a full fledged script now. (There are many of them but that is not the issue here)

For a moment imagine a world without a language. You cannot. It is impossible. Without language we would be missing much of the pleasure that we enjoy. Without language we would be deprived of any information and its development thereof.

Language is very essential aspect of our lives. Take for example, the books. They have imparted us an endless knowledge generation after generation. A knowledge that has further led to more knowledge in every sphere of life.

Take example of our daily communications. From sweet goodbyes to lullabies, from scribbled reminders to notes for the day, from the casual exchange of greetings to marvelous speeches, wonders of the language are countless.

Written language is the hallmark of the literate world. A parameter that differentiates it from and puts it at a higher pedestal than illiterate world. Yes! Unfortunately there are few parts of the world which are deprived of this beautiful aspect of the language.

It is the written language that has helped us to shape this world the way it is. Shaping of mind begins in the early school years and continues throughout the life. As we move further we can almost differentiate people on the basis of proficiency in this aspect of the language.

There are experts and there are not so experts.

Whatever you do, wherever you are in the life the command over the written word puts you in distinct advantage.

In our real life there are alternative methods to compensate for your lack of command. There is component of speech. Then there are gestures. But on internet, written word is the sole medium of communication. Now a days, bit of help is available from graphics, audio and video files but the written word is still undisputed king and would remain so in the coming times.

Just have look at any website. There is no face that speaks to you. It is the writing that speaks. The only communication is through the written material. Everything that you need to convey to the visitor of your website is via written language. That is the big truth in itself.

After books it is the webpage that is harnessing the power of the written word. To tap this fully one must use their words wisely.

Writing style reflects the personality of a writer. On any given subject, two persons will write differently. If they are asked to use the same set of facts, the result would still be different.

This difference is due to their different styles of writing. This writing style is responsible for versatility in the literature. Whenever you write, it is this writing style that stamps your uniqueness on that writing.

As a human being each one of has capacity to feel and express. But due to difference in genetic makeup and upbringing patterns, we become more efficient in some expressions than other. Some of us are more comic than others. Some are more dramatic. Some write suspense better.

How does it happen?

As I noted before it depends on genetic makeup and upbringing. Your genetic temperament is a major contribute to your style. So is your childhood exposures impression and experiences.

Both there is one factor that is modifiable and that is totally under our control is PRACTICE.

Each of us is capable of feeling each and every emotion that humans can feel though might not be that well endowed to express it.

But that can be learned and with practice, mastered.

First step is to see what triggers your interest most. If you like something than mastering that becomes easier. Read in detail the subject you like or intend to write upon from the available literature. You will find that you like some authors better than others. They are the one who catch your fancy when you go through their works.

Study them in details and note down how they bring out the subject. See how they introduce to the topic? How do they approach any topic? How is their opening paragraph constructed and how do they follow the sequence of events which intends at providing information or finishing a story or whatever?

No! Do not imitate. This practice of reading was just to have an idea. The actual work starts now.

Now is the step two. You need simply to WRITE!

Another essential aspect of faculty of expression is increase in your vocabulary.

If your vocabulary is limited you seriously limit your power of expression. Vocabulary is the essential tool for any writer. Vocabulary empowers you to bring the versatility in your style. It empowers you to put finesse in your work.

Vocabulary expansion comes from constant inculcation of the new word meanings.

Whenever you read or hear a new word, look for its meaning. Do not approximate the meaning when you do not know or are not sure of the way the word is being used. Instead note it down and look up for its meaning whenever you get the time.

As a writer it is very important to develop this habit. You have to know the word and its proper usage. Only then you can frame those meaningful, intriguing and impressive sentences. If done well this practice is very rewarding. To add fun to your learning you can do crosswords and other word games. Learn any way you want but learn it well.

A written sentence has to convey the fullness of the meaning without any help of gestures or voice modulation available to the spoken word.

This led to development of the rules for written language. First and foremost is the grammar. If your writings do not follow these rules they won’t be read. Grammatical errors are acceptable in our conversations but when it comes to writing it is an unforgivable mistake.

Correct spellings are another requirement of a good writing. Spelling errors popularly referred as typos (We are now in a world where people type more than they write!) spoil the taste of good reading. One must watch for these errors.

Everybody hates spelling mistakes. It does not matter whether the people themselves are good at it not. Food should be perfect for everybody’s palate irrespective of their culinary knowledge.

The last requirement of a sentence making is the use of right words.

There is not much scope for alteration and leverage as for as the spellings and grammar are concerned. So it is the combination of right words that makes a writing unique.

One must strive to choose the optimum set of words for the sentence within the framework of the grammar. The need varies from one writing to another and many a words can be used with different meaning attached it them in different perspectives. But to make a good writing careful selection is a must.

One has to choose wisely. Pause and ponder deliberately to look for the options best suited for your sentence and narration.

Words have originated at different times in different cultures. These words carry with than a subtle aura or personality and they import this aura to the sentence which they are put in.

Let us have an example.

Wealth, money moolah or cash! There are so many terms to describe money.

But each of them does brings a little different impact on our brains. This is because though our upbringing and culture we start imparting a different image to different words.
This difference could also be due to difference in intelligence and cultural background.

Because the language is passed from one generation to another in a rather clear cut and organized manner, the words themselves leaves an imprint on the learning mind provided we take out other variables. This imprint or image is then generated back each time the word is encountered.

Every writing would incite a response in the reader. That is the aim of the writing. That is what a good writer wants.

If you are writing a sales copy the effect should lead the readers to the sales. Better you use your words better is the copy and its desired effect. Same goes for a webpage, e-book, email or anything you write. The factor that will differentiate a bang from thud is the right use of the words.

How far did you penetrate the minds of the reader will depend mainly on the words that you used to create the writing if we keep the reader related factors (for example education, intelligence, culture, language proficiency etc) out.

The choice of words will ultimately depend upon your style and vocabulary you have. Style comes from your personality and inferences you carry. Vocabulary comes from constant reading and inculcation.