Writing for the ear

Three days ago in The New York Times, the American writer and critic Constance Hale published a useful lesson about something we writers often overlook: how our sentences would sound if read aloud.

Some writers, such as playwrights and speechwriters, are keenly aware of sound; unfortunately, most of us pay no attention to it. But our readers pay attention, even if subliminally. And that is why sound can add to the clarity and power of what we write for the page.

The Takeaway: Get into the habit of writing for the ear, not just the eye. Read your copy aloud during your edits and you will be surprised how quickly you improve your clarity and power.

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