From Edie: Why do words matter so much in writing? Learn how intentional word choice helps writers communicate clearly, build trust, and stay relevant.
Choosing the Right Words: Why Word Choice Matters for Writers
by Lilka Raphael @Lilka_Raphael
“Words have weight.” Stephen King
The writer’s plight often entails a struggle to find the right words. And finding the proper words typically depends on what we write and why we write it. When we are posting casually we have a bit of latitude. But when we are writing material intended to educate or remain pertinent, our word choice matters.
Last year, I was proofing something for an author that contained an acronym that was becoming political. Her comedic romance was excellent, but I suspected that the term could distract from the plot and date the storyline. I suggested that she devise an alternative, and she did. Days later, her original word choice was a hot topic in the media. That experience prompted me to ponder my words cautiously.
Consider Your Audience
Selecting the correct words may require that we closely scrutinize what we write. Consequently, I keep pop culture references to a minimum unless they are exceptionally common. I collaborate with people who have never held a cassette tape, landline, or VHS movie. This taught me the importance of choosing words that are relatable to a broader (younger) audience. Utilizing references that extend beyond my generation connects with more readers and helps fulfill my purpose to direct more people to Christ.
Eliminate Ambiguity
I was reminded of this when speaking with a coworker from the west coast who was befuddled by some of the slang common in Georgia. Unfamiliar regional nuances can alienate or confuse our audience. It’s great to include them when defining a character, yet too many may be off-putting. If we strive to sell millions of books, readers should easily understand what we write.
Purpose Over Prose
Purpose and audience also dictate word choice. Are we writing to explain a process or sway an opinion? Clear, concise directives appeal to readers seeking solutions. Likewise, writing about specific topics without identifying statements as opinions and presenting them as facts can diminish our credibility. Declarations presented as truth should be easy to substantiate. In our zeal to make a case, we shouldn’t allow our creativity to craft phrases that are hard to justify later. In the same manner, clever phrases fall flat when they don’t meet the needs of our readers.
Choosing the right word is much more than grammatical syntax or selecting the correct homophone. Our word choices can engage readers and corroborate our integrity. Words can also undermine our authority or provoke suspicion when we omit them. Choosing effective words may require that we ask ourselves tough questions. Is what we’ve written clearly outlined, communicated, and verifiable? Is the tone condescending or judgmental?
When we prioritize our purpose and our audience, it becomes easier to identify words that work.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer (Psalm 19:14 NKJV).
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Lilka’s greatest achievements are her two adult sons who have flown the nest. Happily married for thirty-two years, she lives east of Atlanta with her husband, Rod. They now share their home with two German Shepherds—Holly and Ivy—and one naughty kitty, Moxie.
Thank you, Lilka, for your very informative post. It is always good to be reminded of the power of our words. Blessings to you!
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