The Writer’s Paradox: Great on Paper, Rough on Camera

At DMG, we work with many clients who are exceptional writers. Whether they produce white papers, op-eds, articles, or policy briefs, most eventually need to communicate those same ideas on a stage or on camera.

For many, that’s where the challenge begins. It’s frustrating to know exactly how to express your thoughts on paper, only to stumble the moment you start speaking.

But this is completely normal. Writing and speaking are different skills. Just as someone who speaks for a living isn’t automatically a great writer (unless they’ve intentionally developed that skill), talented writers aren’t automatically gifted speakers.

That’s where DMG comes in. Here are our top tips for turning your written words into compelling spoken communication:

Tip #1: Don’t Edit as You Speak
As a writer, the backspace key is your best friend. But don’t bring that instinct into a conversation or interview.

Writers are trained to think about structure, word choice, and the perfect way to express an idea as they write. That works on the page, but it can be paralyzing when you’re speaking.

When you’re speaking, a natural conversational flow is far more important than finding the perfect word or crafting the perfect sentence. Put the perfectionist aside. A written piece should be polished because you have the time to revise it. Spoken communication is different. People expect it to be conversational and off the cuff, and they won’t hold you to the same standard of perfection that they would a published article.

Tip #2: Practice Out Loud
Every writer knows that a piece improves with each draft. The same principle applies to speaking.

If you’ve ever done multiple interviews on the same topic, you’ve probably noticed that your last interview was stronger than your first. Why? Because you naturally refined your message each time you answered the questions.

Don’t let the real interview be the first time you’ve said your ideas out loud.

Write down your key talking points, then practice saying them. As you hear yourself speak, you’ll naturally refine your wording, identify awkward phrases, and discover what feels most authentic. The goal isn’t to memorize a script. It’s to internalize your message so that when the interview begins, you can speak naturally and confidently while staying true to your key points.