Writing Like a Pro
- Friday, July 20 2012 @ 02:50 pm
- Contributed by: Jet
- Views: 1,073
There are plenty of tips and tricks out there to help you improve your online dating profile. In fact, there are so many things you could be thinking about that it’s easy to get overwhelmed. However, you don’t have to be a wordsmith to write an effective profile. If you can internalize one simple concept, you’ll start off ahead of the game. It’s one of the most basic rules of writing: “Show, don’t tell.”
The idea is to paint a picture with your words and let your readers draw their own conclusion. For example, what sounds more interesting: “She was sad” or “When she opened her test scores, her shoulders slumped”? In the second example, we might not have been told outright what she was feeling, but it makes a stronger impression.
Now think about some of the profiles you might have seen. It’s not uncommon to find one that either reads like a laundry list of statistics. Even worse are ones with statements like “I’m a great catch” or “I’m really funny.” The writer either comes off as arrogant. They’re trying to be bold or confident, but instead they come off as arrogant or unconvincing. When I read a statement like that, I mentally raise an eyebrow and think, “Oh really? Where’s your proof?”
To circumvent that kind of reaction, you give your proof first and let the readers form their opinion. For example, instead of telling people you’re intelligent, you might share some of your favorite or recent reads. Instead of telling people you’re funny (or trying to be funny, which is hit-and-miss when you’re typing instead of speaking) you might talk about the British comedies you love. Instead of saying you’re compassionate, talk about the causes with which you are involved.
Draw up a list of traits you’d like to share about yourself in your profile, but rather than simply listing them, find examples to back them up and talk about those instead. The reader will feel like their opinions are their own, and they’ll also get a greater insight into you, your personal “voice.” Not to mention the fact that your specific details give much more to talk about when they send you an email.
You might not be writing a work of fiction (in fact, I hope you’re not) but that doesn’t mean you can’t write something that is compelling, entertaining and leaves the reader wanting more! Why not use a tried-and-true rule from the professionals?
The idea is to paint a picture with your words and let your readers draw their own conclusion. For example, what sounds more interesting: “She was sad” or “When she opened her test scores, her shoulders slumped”? In the second example, we might not have been told outright what she was feeling, but it makes a stronger impression.
Now think about some of the profiles you might have seen. It’s not uncommon to find one that either reads like a laundry list of statistics. Even worse are ones with statements like “I’m a great catch” or “I’m really funny.” The writer either comes off as arrogant. They’re trying to be bold or confident, but instead they come off as arrogant or unconvincing. When I read a statement like that, I mentally raise an eyebrow and think, “Oh really? Where’s your proof?”
To circumvent that kind of reaction, you give your proof first and let the readers form their opinion. For example, instead of telling people you’re intelligent, you might share some of your favorite or recent reads. Instead of telling people you’re funny (or trying to be funny, which is hit-and-miss when you’re typing instead of speaking) you might talk about the British comedies you love. Instead of saying you’re compassionate, talk about the causes with which you are involved.
Draw up a list of traits you’d like to share about yourself in your profile, but rather than simply listing them, find examples to back them up and talk about those instead. The reader will feel like their opinions are their own, and they’ll also get a greater insight into you, your personal “voice.” Not to mention the fact that your specific details give much more to talk about when they send you an email.
You might not be writing a work of fiction (in fact, I hope you’re not) but that doesn’t mean you can’t write something that is compelling, entertaining and leaves the reader wanting more! Why not use a tried-and-true rule from the professionals?
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