Writing For Audio

If you’ve ever tried to read an article or book aloud for a recording or a live presentation, you might have stumbled and had to re-read certain sentences. That probably wasn’t because you’re an incompetent reader. It could have been because the author wasn’t writing for audio.

Many authors write for an audience that reads words silently, on pages or screens. But these days, authors need to assume that a recorded version of their work will be produced. Many news sites now offer the option to listen to articles. And most publishers release audio books, as well as print copies.

So, what’s the difference between a piece of writing aimed at silent readers and one that’s easy to read aloud? Complex sentences.

Sorry to revive the trauma of middle school English class, but complex sentences have subordinate clauses that depend on the subject of the sentence. That means readers must remember the subject of the sentence as they continue to read, and then relate the rest of the complex sentence to that subject. Aaaaack! Grammar. Right?

It’s not that complex sentences are bad. You don’t need to avoid them altogether. Doing that would create a choppy, stilted writing style. Wise use of complex sentences can add depth of meaning and give your writing a lyrical cadence.

How will you know if you’re over-using complex sentences? Easy. Read what you’ve written out loud to yourself or to someone else. Notice where you stumble. Notice where you must re-read to understand the meaning. Sentences with multiple clauses require the reader or listener to work harder to comprehend, and to keep track of the action or information.

Read each of the following passages aloud.

1.      At the end of their shift, the workmen rushed off, leaving debris strewn around the sidewalk, making it difficult for pedestrians to navigate the walkway, creating a dangerous situation and forcing some people to cross the street to avoid the mess.

2.      Workmen left debris on the sidewalk at the end of their shift. That created hazards for pedestrians. Some people crossed the street to avoid the mess.

Both passages convey the meaning using correct grammar and punctuation. But the first example is a long, complex sentence, which, as you found out, is more difficult to read aloud. And recording yourself (or someone else) reading multiple complex sentences will require more practice time, re-takes, editing, and proofing. That can get expensive if you’re in a professional recording studio or working with a producer.

Money aside, however, you don’t want to waste your time. You also don’t need the frustration of trying to read such writing aloud. So, write your script, article, or book using clear, concise sentences. Save your stress for the things you can’t control.