Are you tired of writing dull and uninteresting essays that do not capture your reader’s attention? Do you find it hard to express your ideas in a relatable and engaging way? If so, you are in the right place. Writing essays that are both engaging and authentic can be challenging, but with the right strategies, it is possible. In this article, we will explore six strategies for making your writing more human. From using a personal voice to incorporating storytelling techniques and adding a touch of creativity, we will guide you through the process of writing like a top-notch essays for your scholarship applications or school work Whether you are a student, a professional or simply looking to improve your essay writing skills, this article is for you. So, get ready to take your writing to the next level with these tips!
1. Use a Personal Voice in your essays
One of the most effective ways to write authentic and engaging essays is by using a personal voice. This can be achieved by using first-person pronouns, such as “I” and “you,” and addressing the reader directly. This creates a sense of connection and engagement, making it easier for the reader to relate to the content of the essay.
For instance, instead of writing “It has been found that…”, one could write “I have found that…”. This shift in language emphasizes the writer’s research and findings, rather than implying that the information is widely accepted or already proven.
Another way to use a personal voice is by including anecdotes or personal experiences. This is an excellent way to add a touch of humanity to your writing, and it can also serve as a useful tool to break up long blocks of text.
For example, when writing an essay about the importance of education, one could include a personal experience of how education has positively impacted their life. This not only makes the writing more engaging but also helps to illustrate the point in a relatable manner.
2. Incorporate Storytelling Techniques in your writing
To make your writing sound more interesting and engaging, you can also incorporate storytelling techniques. This can include using descriptive language, setting a scene, and creating a plot.
For example, instead of simply stating facts, one could describe a specific event or scenario that relates to the theme of the essay. This will help to create a sense of atmosphere and engagement, making it easier for the reader to envision the situation. But one must be very careful when applying this to an essay. Try not to use too many words such that there is only little left for the remaining part of the essay.
3. Add a Touch of Creativity
While academic writing requires a certain level of structure and formality, it does not mean that one cannot add a touch of creativity. This can include using literary devices such as metaphors, similes, and other literary devices to add depth and meaning to the writing.
For example, instead of writing “The economy is in a bad state,” one could write “The economy is like a sinking ship.” This not only makes the writing more engaging but also helps to illustrate the point more strongly.
Another way to add creativity is by using an analogy or metaphor like the one used in this essay I wrote some time ago, which eventually became a winning entry for the young and Cerebral national essay competition, “Idea is like an embryo in a mother’s womb, so young and tender it lies so still. Like a newborn baby, it makes a loud cry when it is born, thereby creating an impact that draws many towards its direction. Ignoring an idea is like aborting a baby; it flows away from our reach and potential, never to be given a chance to grow and flourish.” This analogy not only adds a unique and creative touch to the writing, but it also helps to convey the message on “how my raw idea can change the world” in a powerful and relatable manner.”
4. Show, Don’t Tell
When it comes to writing essays, it is important to remember the adage “show, don’t tell.” This means that instead of simply stating your thoughts and opinions, one should use descriptive language and vivid imagery to illustrate their points. This will help to make the writing more engaging and create a deeper understanding of the content.
For example, Instead of writing “I am a team player,” one could write “As a member of the school’s debate team, I actively listened to my teammates’ suggestions, incorporated their ideas into our strategy, and supported them during competitions. Together, we were able to consistently win against rival schools and earn a spot in the state championship.” This not only shows the reader that the writer is a team player, but it also provides a specific example of a situation where that skill was demonstrated, making the writing more descriptive and effective in conveying the idea of strong teamwork abilities.
In another example, instead of writing “I have a proven track record of effective decision-making,” one could write “Faced with a critical deadline and limited resources, I rapidly assessed the situation, weighed the potential outcomes, and made a bold decision that ultimately led to the successful completion of the project. My team members praised my decisive leadership.” This not only shows the reader that the writer has a track record of effective decision-making, but it also provides a specific example of a situation where that skill was demonstrated, making the writing more descriptive and effective in conveying the idea of strong decision-making abilities. But remember, this is just an example, you can think of a suitable scenario that relates to your decision-making skill, or any other traits you must have exhibited.
5. Use Active Voice in your essays
Finally, using an active voice is an important aspect of making your writing sound more professional. This means that the subject of the sentence is acting, rather than the action being performed on the subject. This creates a sense of energy and engagement, and it also helps to make the writing more concise.
For example, instead of writing “The paper was written by the author,” one could write “The author wrote the paper.” This change in voice not only makes the sentence more concise but also makes the writing sound more active and engaging.
Also, instead of writing “The proposal was presented to the board by the marketing department.” You can replace it with this, “The marketing department presented the proposal to the board.”
By using active voice, the sentence becomes more concise, as it eliminates the need for the word “by.” Additionally, the sentence becomes more engaging as it emphasizes the action being performed by the marketing department, rather than the proposal being the subject of the action. The sentence is more clear and more direct in conveying the message.
Active voice can be used to make the writing more engaging and clear. It makes the subject of the sentence the one performing the action and can make the writing more concise by eliminating unnecessary words.
Conclusion
By using these strategies, you can ensure that your writing sounds authentic and human, without sacrificing the clarity and structure that is crucial for academic writing. Remember to always read and re-read your work, to make sure that it is coherent and well-structured. And most importantly, always be yourself, let your personality shine through in your writing and let your unique perspective be heard.
Note: This article offers tips to make writing more engaging. However, it may not be suitable for all types of writing. Always consider your audience and purpose when using these tips, and remember that you do not have to use all the strategies stated here at once. Using too many literary devices may indicate a lack of confidence in your writing. It’s always a good idea to read over your work and edit it for any errors before publishing or submitting it.
