Don Ray's Tips for Writing for the Ear

Don Ray's Tips for Writing for the Ear

Keep It Short and Simple

• Avoid dependent clauses longer than 5 words.
• Avoid participial phrases over 10 words.
• Avoid sentences longer than 34 words.
• Avoid paragraphs longer than 3 sentences.
• Use words a fifth-grader can understand.

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Sound Like You Talk

• Use first-person voice when appropriate: I, we, you.
• Break complex thoughts into multiple simple sentences.
• Use vivid, visual verbs – they create mental pictures.

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Let It Flow Naturally

• Convert dependent clauses into complete sentences.
• Avoid formal or technical language – no jargon.
• Avoid present participles (”-ing verbs) that lead to clunky constructions – just split into two sentences.

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Avoid These Pitfalls

• Never use passive voice.
• Don’t use ALL CAPS, except for standard abbreviations.
• Avoid semicolons – use em dashes with spaces instead.
• Don’t use "over" for quantities — use “more than” instead.

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Formatting and Attributions

• Indent and space between paragraphs – especially in scripts.
• Make titles separate sentences, not clauses.
• Attribute quotes like this:

“I like it this way,” he said.

(Never: “He said he likes it this way.)

Use “says” or “said” only – no other verbs like explained” or “noted.”