On Writing: Reading Aloud

One of the most effective tools I use after editing a story is reading it aloud. It’s astonishing how problems surface when you hear your words spoken. Awkward phrases, clunky dialogue, and pacing issues become painfully obvious. When you read aloud, there is no room for laziness. Silently scanning the page gives you the room to skim over words or sentences. No can do when you have to think about the words, enunciate them, and read the piece like you are emotionally invested in it. Because you are.
Reading aloud highlights the flow—or lack thereof—in a way that silently reading just can’t. You might stumble over sentences that seemed perfectly fine in your head or realize a section lacks the impact you intended. It’s an eye-opening exercise, often humbling, but always valuable.
I encourage every writer, if you don’t already do so, to make reading aloud part of your editing process. It doesn’t matter if someone is listening or if you’re alone in a quiet room; the act itself can transform your work. You’ll hear the rhythm of your words, catch awkward transitions, and even spot inconsistencies you might otherwise miss. Give it a try—you might be surprised at the difference it makes.