Speaking Well, Writing Well

<p>I have had several individuals comment on my good articulate speaking and writing abilities. I suppose that if other noticed enough to compliment me, then there's at least some validity, though subjective, to their assertions. However, as highly self-critical person, I often doubt so.</p>

<p>What books can you recommend to help me discipline my writing and what can I do to foster a superior speaking ability as a college student? </p>

<p>(As far as speaking, I emphasize enunciation and vocabulary proficiency.)</p>

<p>Thanks for your input.</p>

<p>I’m no linguist, but honestly, if you already have a talent for speaking/writing well, I’d take a foreign language as far removed from English as possible. Russian, Japanese, etc. By learning a completely different grammar system and way of speaking, it allows you to see English in a different light and gets your brain working in a different way, and you’ll be able to understand English grammar much better when you really study it.</p>

<p>Just one suggestion anyway- writing freeform essays always helps me. Spilling out my ideas, then reorganizing them into a structure that provides a maximum impact for my flow of ideas. Practice fluid writing?</p>

<p>other should be others
good doesn’t seem to fit
in formal writing, contractions are a no no
(I realize I’m being hypocritical)</p>

<p>For improvement, I’d recommend reading everything and speaking at every chance you get. Personally, I would only use strict, formal writing in appropriate situations (i.e. business letter). Otherwise, I feel as though it destroys my “writer’s voice”.</p>

<p>“in formal writing, contractions are a no no”</p>

<p>This is a big fallacy that’s drilled into kids in high school. It’s not at all true.</p>

<p>Ok…well you’re supposed to use them “sparingly” then in formal writing. I just make it a habit not to use them at all unless the writing piece is something more creative.</p>

<p>Yeah, you wouldn’t want to get carried away and start writing “ain’t” and “wantin’”, but people who read these things definately don’t want to fall asleep either.</p>