Imagine speaking to a room filled with people. Now imagine sitting across the table from one person, enjoying a conversation over coffee. Which one feels easier?
If you said the one-on-one conversation feels easier, you’re not alone. Many people would prefer that. Especially if you have something important to share that you think will help that person.
In a crowded room, you have no idea how, or even if your message is landing with everyone. But when you talk to just one person, you can tailor your message to them.
That’s a helpful analogy to keep in mind as you sit down to write your book, blog, stories. It’s easiest when you focus on just one reader.
Many writers struggle with feeling that they are writing out into the void: a huge audience with no one particular in mind. That causes writing to feel overwhelming. Phrases become generic because they’re trying to hit such a broad target. This leads to a lot of second-guessing. And the writing loses its ability to connect with people.
But if you picture writing for one person—someone you know well, someone who needs to hear what you are sharing—your writing sounds more natural, conversational. Your words will connect at a heart level.
You also feel a lot less overwhelm when you focus on one reader. You know what keeps them up at night. You know what questions they have. You can focus your heart on that person’s needs and tailor your writing for them. And guess what? Anyone else in a similar situation will feel as if you wrote for them too. The beauty of writing for one is that many will be blessed.
If you find yourself writing generic phrases like, “Many people struggle with …” you can edit that to express what you think one reader is feeling. Say it just as you would in a conversation where that reader is sitting across from you, sipping coffee and hoping for answers.
You can start this week by writing for one reader and see how it changes your writing. Picture one person you know who could benefit from reading what you are writing. If no one comes to mind, think about what your reader might be like. Someone who needs your book or story and picks it up to read. It might even be the person you used to be. Whoever it is, have that person clearly in your mind.
Then write to that person as if sitting across from them in conversation. A good place to start is by telling them, “Here’s the biggest thing I want you to remember.” Then write out the biggest takeaways you want to give them. Don’t edit; just write from your heart. That’s a great first step in learning how to write for that one reader.
Janet Eriksson 