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Swisivo · 08-21-2007, 11:19 PM

Could you divulge your honest and thoughtful opinion, please?

What do you think about the relationship between being a good speaker (and I mean very good) and a good writer. Are good writers better speakers than good speakers are writers? Are good writers better speakers at all? The most plausible answer seems to be an affirmative one, but there's something elusive here. It's not a direct relationship, and it doesn't seem to be a direct skill transition.

I think I am a decent writer, but a sub par speaker. I find that my writing skill is sufficient for most common purposes in life so far, aside from professional writing, and I'm not too concerned with improving it, though it never hurts. Speaking seems to be a more important skill in life anyway, and mine suffers. When I say "speaking", I'm talking about being able to tell a story in an interesting, vivid way. I'm talking about the ability to clearly and concisely explain things on the fly. Also, I'm talking about being able to defuse an argument, convince people, and to command affinity and respect.

I'm basically working on it, trying to put every conversation I have in perspective and learn something from it. Also I'm reading books on communication.

I just want to make it clear that I'm not talking about trying to socialize or meet people - I'm talking about raising the ability to converse to a very high level (think Nick Naylor from Thank You For Smoking). Self improvement kinda thing ... you know, right?

So I've got this idea - that regularly practicing to write fiction or detailed descriptions of real events poses your mind a lot of interesting problems having to do with wording, sequencing events, and general story telling. This could very efficiently exercise all linguistic abilities, as well as speaking.

Do you think this is logical? Will the practice of writing greatly affect the ability to speak? Are good writers good speakers?

Anyone on the same page with me here?

08-21-2007, 11:19 PM	#1 (permalink)
Swisivo Upright	Are good writers good speakers? Could you divulge your honest and thoughtful opinion, please? What do you think about the relationship between being a good speaker (and I mean very good) and a good writer. Are good writers better speakers than good speakers are writers? Are good writers better speakers at all? The most plausible answer seems to be an affirmative one, but there's something elusive here. It's not a direct relationship, and it doesn't seem to be a direct skill transition. I think I am a decent writer, but a sub par speaker. I find that my writing skill is sufficient for most common purposes in life so far, aside from professional writing, and I'm not too concerned with improving it, though it never hurts. Speaking seems to be a more important skill in life anyway, and mine suffers. When I say "speaking", I'm talking about being able to tell a story in an interesting, vivid way. I'm talking about the ability to clearly and concisely explain things on the fly. Also, I'm talking about being able to defuse an argument, convince people, and to command affinity and respect. I'm basically working on it, trying to put every conversation I have in perspective and learn something from it. Also I'm reading books on communication. I just want to make it clear that I'm not talking about trying to socialize or meet people - I'm talking about raising the ability to converse to a very high level (think Nick Naylor from Thank You For Smoking). Self improvement kinda thing ... you know, right? So I've got this idea - that regularly practicing to write fiction or detailed descriptions of real events poses your mind a lot of interesting problems having to do with wording, sequencing events, and general story telling. This could very efficiently exercise all linguistic abilities, as well as speaking. Do you think this is logical? Will the practice of writing greatly affect the ability to speak? Are good writers good speakers? Anyone on the same page with me here? __________________ The answer to the question you are asking, this interview is too short to contain.