language

Are you ready to step-up your writing skills? In this #ContentWritingChat, we got technical by talking about language in content. We discussed the use of formal language, changes to style guides, the role an editor plays, and much more. #ContentWritingChat Recap: Language in Content with Tara Clapper Join us for #ContentWritingChat on Tuesday, May 30th at 10 AM Central to chat with our Content Development Specialist, @irishtara! pic.twitter.com/6cW0sK8TFM — Express Writers (@ExpWriters) May 23, 2017 Our guest host this week was our very own Content Development Specialist, Tara Clapper. We were excited to have her join us and she shared some helpful advice you’ll be able to put to use when creating content of your very own. Let’s dive in! Q1: When should you use colloquial vs. formal language in your content? Colloquial vs. formal language. How do you know which one to use when creating content? Here are some tips from this week’s chat that will help you decide: A1: Use language that reaches your audience. Speak as they do! Make them feel loved, not talked down to. #ContentWritingChat pic.twitter.com/zrGkpQTo97 — Tara M. Clapper (@irishtara) May 30, 2017 This is great advice from Tara. She recommends using language that is going to reach your audience. You can speak like they do and make them feel loved and appreciated. It’s just one way to help you better connect with them. A1: You really want to consider the audience you’re writing for and the type of content you’re creating. #ContentWritingChat — Rachel (@redheadrachel) May 30, 2017 Not only do you want to consider your audience, but you also want to consider the type of content you’re creating. You might find that various content types require a different style of language in content. A1 Think about your audience first, then your goals, then decide which type of language will best resonate. #ContentWritingChat https://t.co/sYsa7kGlck — Krystal Blais ? (@krystalblais) May 30, 2017 Krystal knows that it largely depends on who your audience is. When you know what will resonate with your audience, the decision is much easier. She also suggests considering the goals you’re trying to reach as well because the language you use can impact that. A1) I keep it formal in ads, but in regular content I make sure to use my informal, down-to-earth, humanizing voice #ContentWritingChat pic.twitter.com/0TLnk7IciE — Jason Schemmel (@JasonSchemmel) May 30, 2017 For Jason, he likes to stick to formal language when creating ads. However, he’s more informal, down to earth, and humanizing in his regular content. Many choose to switch up their language depending on the type of content they’re producing. A1: In “marketing/sales” content, be more formal/professional. In your blog/SoMe interactions, talk like you would IRL.#ContentWritingChat https://t.co/mOk89TeF5W — ThinkSEM (@ThinkSEM) May 30, 2017 Sarah from ThinkSEM feels the same way. Marketing and sales content is more formal, but blogs and social media interactions are reflective of how you’d speak in real life. A1: Maybe it depends on the type of content but I find in our line of work, anything too formal will go over heads #contentwritingchat pic.twitter.com/J0HYK4uohG — Sara Tetzloff (@que_sara) May 30, 2017 This is a great reason to consider what your audience is going to resonate with. For Sara, she’s noticed that anything too formal in her industry goes over the heads of her readers. You don’t want this to happen, so make sure you choose your language style wisely. Q2: Recently, AP formalized the use of the singular “they.” Should brand adopt trends before style guide changes? By now, many of us are pretty familiar with the AP Stylebook. They’re known to make changes with every new edition, but does that mean brands should adopt changes before they’re made official in the AP Stylebook? Here’s some advice: A2: Yes. Style guides change because of usage, not the other way around. Be in tune w/how your audience speaks. #ContentWritingChat — Tara M. Clapper (@irishtara) May 30, 2017 A2B: If you want to be seen as a progressive brand, you need to make those shifts fast. If traditional, you can wait. #ContentWritingChat — Tara M. Clapper (@irishtara) May 30, 2017 Tara said brands can absolutely adopt trends before style guide changes are made. As she said, those changes come about due to usage, which means people have already adopted them. It helps to be in tune with how your audience speaks. She also suggests adopting changes quickly if you want your brand to be seen as progressive. If your brand is more traditional, Tara feels you can wait. A2: I’d say brands should write how they want to write; not EVERYONE adheres strictly to a style guide.#ContentWritingChat https://t.co/qa53EqidST — ThinkSEM (@ThinkSEM) May 30, 2017 Sarah said brands should write however they want to write. Not everyone is going to adhere to the rules in a style guide, which is absolutely fine. You have to do what’s right for you. A2: Yes, because language evolves quickly: by the time the style guide changes, the language may move again. #ContentWritingChat — Jeremy Murphy (@jeremypmurphy) May 30, 2017 As Jeremy said, language evolves quickly. You never know what language trends people will have adopted by the time style guides are updated. A2 Adapting to newly formalized changes shows that you’re standing updated on trends – shows progress & education. #ContentWritingChat https://t.co/K8AqIdzCqp — Farmore Marketing (@FarmoreInc) May 30, 2017 When you adopt new changes, it shows that you’re staying updated on the trends. Your audience will likely appreciate that! A2 Being on social means knowing about trends way before any formal guide catches up. Use your discretion and adapt #ContentWritingChat pic.twitter.com/JrDTkVGH41 — HeyOrca! (@HeyOrca) May 30, 2017 Being on social media is one way to pick up on trends early on. You’ll likely notice a shift in language just by seeing how others are talking. Q3: What is a sensitivity edit? Should social media messages pass one? Have you heard of a sensitivity edit before? Do you think social media messages need to pass one? We asked … Read more