Nurturing Engagement through Conversational Content: 9 Proven Strategies

Does your memory of high school or college include a droning teacher or professor? Someone who showered you with dry facts and robotic information?

People naturally crave interaction, not monologues. They want dialogue, not lectures.

Avoid falling into the lecture trap when crafting your articles. Aim for engaging your audience while enriching them with valuable insights.

Shift your writing style from a formal lecture to a friendly chat.

This transition from rigid to relaxed writing is known as conversational content. Here’s how you can achieve it:

1. Embrace Brevity in Sentences

Ever wondered why shorter sentences are often more impactful?

Long sentences make your brain work harder. It has to retain a larger chunk of information to interpret the overall message.

Brain loves simplicity. Short sentences are easier to digest, and readers love them too.

Albert Einstein once said, “If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.”

Streamline your knowledge into clear, concise sentences. Provide high value in the most efficient way possible. Aim for the natural conversational length of 10-15 words per sentence in your writing.

2. Adopt Plain Language

Plain words make for pleasurable reading. They glide smoothly and don’t need decryption.

People don’t fancy convoluted language. In fact, they see it as a sign of low intelligence.

Keep your readers in the loop by using common vocabulary. Exclude esoteric words that may confuse or isolate them.

3. Pose Stimulating Questions

What’s the main objective of your content marketing strategy? Pause for a moment to reflect.

This short pause in which you pondered about your goals – that’s when I had your full attention.

Questioning is a powerful tool. It grips your readers’ attention like nothing else. Ask about their experiences or interests, and you’ll have forged an emotional bond with them.

4. Loosen the Grip on Grammar

Strict adherence to grammar rules can stifle creativity. Set your imagination free from the shackles of language laws.

Your reader matters more than grammar. Break the rules occasionally, if it helps in making your writing more natural.

Feel like starting a sentence with “And”? Go ahead. Let your thoughts flow freely.

5. Opt for Second-Person Narration

Talk to your readers, not at them.

Humanize your article by letting them know who’s conversing and who’s the subject. Use “you” to make your readers feel the content is tailor-made for them.

Compare:

“You will have an unforgettable Dubai vacation by following these handy travel tips.”

vs

“Top-notch travel tips for a memorable Dubai trip.”

The first one feels more personal, doesn’t it?

6. Apply Emphasis

Stressing on keywords makes your sentences more dynamic and engaging.

Consider verbal communication. You emphasize words by modulating your voice. Achieve the same effect in writing by using italics.

Your readers will instinctively stress on those words, mimicking your intended emphasis.

7. Inject Your Personality

Let your content reflect who you are. Show your readers the person behind the words.

Readers gravitate towards content with a human touch, not impersonal corporate lingo. Share a bit of yourself between the lines.

8. Break Information into Manageable Bits

Notice how this article is divided into manageable chunks?

Replicate this approach in your content. Don’t make your readers feel like they’re running a marathon without any breaks. Facilitate their reading journey with pauses and intervals.

White space, subheadings, and short paragraphs make your content visually appealing and comprehensible.

9. Steer Clear of Industry Jargon

Your readers seek you out for your expertise, but that doesn’t mean they share your extensive knowledge.

The challenge lies in stepping into your readers’ shoes and articulating your knowledge at their comprehension level. And the best way to do that is to avoid jargon.

Don’t let your readers feel overwhelmed. Ensure the smooth flow of your content by substituting complex words with simple alternatives.

Always remember, your ultimate goal is to converse with your readers, not lecture them. Allow your content to resonate with them, make it feel personal, and include them in the discussion. This approach not only makes your writing more engaging but also builds a lasting connection with your readership. It’s not about ending a conversation, but starting a continuous dialogue.