Listen from 0:50 to 2:34, and watch the subtitles. Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration to be profound, and compelling when read aloud. Long ideas are broken up into shorter sentences. The most profound statements are in short sentence clauses. Some of the less important parts are in longer sentences that can be read quickly, but they build up to short parts that can be read dramatically.
You don’t have to be as good as Tommy J at dramatic writing. But there are a few things to think of.
-Every sentence should be able to be read in one breath, or have a clear break where you can pause AND it makes sense to pause.
-Important point should be in short segments that can be stressed aloud. A lot of students think long sentences are intellectual and try to put their most important ideas in long form. It’s actually the opposite when speaking.
-Use sentence length and pauses to create tone. Are you rambling on to create a thoughtful tone? Building up to a point with slightly longer sentences? Emphasizing a point with a short declaration?
-Use conversionational language to link ideas together. The reader can’t easily go back to re-read anything. “like I mentioned when discussing….” “finally, we’ll look at…”
There are at least three easy ways to get good at this. First, just look at how many syllables you have between each point of punctuation. Second, think about whether a sentence is improved by being broken up by pauses or made worse. Third, record yourself and listen for times that you sound strained, droning on, or where you think it just sounds bad.
If you wish to feel bad about yourself, record yourself reading it then ask someone who has no respect for you to comment on it.
Even if you don’t take the time to craft strong statements, you can at least create shorter sentences that sound good when spoken.
Ian Weatherall 