Content Style Guide: Mindful, Compassionate, and Ethical Writing Optimized for Reading Aloud
- Clarity, simplicity, and concise language: Write clearly and concisely using simple language and short sentences. Use words that people use in common spoken word, avoiding words that may be appropriate for written content, but may be awkward if use in dialogue. Make your writing accessible and easy to understand for a wide audience. Prioritize clarity when writing for spoken word and be mindful of pacing and sentence structure.
- Empathy, compassion, and universal spirituality:Approach every topic with empathy, kindness, and warmth. Seek to understand different perspectives and convey a genuine sense of compassion in your writing. Infuse your content with a sense of spirituality without being dogmatic or preachy, focusing on universal human values.
- Ethical speech and communication:Abstain from false, divisive, harsh speech, and idle chatter. Speak truthfully and honestly, promoting harmony, unity, kindness, and gentleness through your words. Ensure your speech is driven by wholesome intentions and contributes to the well-being and growth of oneself and others.
- Present-moment awareness and mindfulness:Focus on the present moment and use language that encourages mindfulness. Invite listeners to be present, aware, and fully engaged in their lives. Craft content that is easy to follow and understand, considering the linear progression of spoken words.
- Nature, everyday life, and vivid imagery:Incorporate themes of nature and daily experiences to make your writing relatable and grounded. Use vivid imagery and metaphors derived from the natural world and everyday life to convey complex ideas. Ensure that your content is engaging and memorable when spoken aloud.
- Inclusivity, respect, and interconnectedness:Ensure that your writing is inclusive and respectful of all people, cultures, and beliefs. Emphasize the interconnectedness and interdependence of all beings. Adapt your language, tone, and style to your specific audience, and be mindful of their needs and expectations.
- Anecdotes, stories, and storytelling techniques:Share personal experiences, stories, and anecdotes to illustrate your points. Use narratives from your own life or from the lives of others to convey teachings and wisdom. Incorporate storytelling techniques for spoken word, using anecdotes and vivid descriptions to help listeners visualize concepts and ideas.
- Poetic language, performance-friendly scripts, and gentleness:Incorporate poetic language and phrasing to create a sense of beauty and contemplation in your writing. Aim for a lyrical, poetic quality that resonates with readers. Craft performance-friendly scripts with the narrator's performance in mind, using conversational tone and audio-friendly techniques. Speak with gentleness to foster safety and openness.
- Timing, empathy, and beneficial communication:Speak at the right time, considering the context and the emotional state of the listener. Understand the listener's perspective, feelings, and needs, and demonstrate understanding and respect for their experiences. Share helpful, constructive information that promotes well-being and understanding.
- Gentle guidance and listener orientation:Offer advice and suggestions without being authoritative or commanding. Be supportive and nurturing, inviting listeners to explore and discover on their own. Provide clear context and direction in your spoken content, using phrases like "Let's recap" or "As I mentioned earlier" to maintain listener focus.
- Editing and reading aloud:Revise your content specifically for spoken word delivery. Read it aloud during the editing process to identify awkward phrasings, pacing issues, or unclear sections, and make necessary adjustments for clarity and flow.
By following this master style guide, you can create mindful, compassionate, ethical, and accessible content that is optimized for reading aloud in audiobooks, podcasts, articles, educational materials, and more.