When you talk. . .you pause for breath.
(Unless you’re the type of person who says so much in one go that at some point you just have to stop and inhale before you pass out.)
Sometimes you pause. . .for emphasis. Or clarity.
It’s similar when you write.
Your reader needs to grasp the ebb and flow of your words. They need to be led smoothly through your phrases and paragraphs, understanding when to pause and when to pick up the pace.
There should be no confusion or misunderstanding.
That’s why you use commas.
Steeped In History
In the 3rd century BC, Aristophanes of Byzantium invented a system of single dots that separated verses. These indicated the amount of breath needed to complete each fragment of text when reading aloud. The dots were placed at the bottom, middle, or top of the line to signify different lengths.
When the passage was short, the dot was placed in the middle (like this ·) and was known as a komma.
Over time, the name came to be used for the mark itself instead of the clause it separated.
So, next time you write something read it out loud – like Aristophanes’ verses – and see where you naturally pause.
If it feels right, if it makes more sense to do so, insert a comma.
If not, leave it out or stop completely.
Just remember: Exhale, comma, inhale.
Cheers, Mel
Photo: (Thanks, Ben) Ben White
Hi Mel, great blog, thank you. Before laptops and proof reading on screen, I used to print out my story, stand up and walk around, reading it out loud. This improved the final draft every time, not to mention picking up those pesky typos. Your blog has reminded me how useful this practice was, and I’ll try it more often. Cheers Gaye
I wish I had read this blog before I had to speak in public. It is all so obvious, yet I needed to read the blog to fully grasp everything Mel Wicks says about the importance of pauses. I encourage everyone to read it. The advice would improve any speech and every conversation.
Hi Gaye. Yes, you’re right, modern technology has made us much sloppier when it comes to things like proof reading and editing. Glad to have helped!
Cheers, Mel
Thanks, Laila. I hadn’t thought about it improving speeches as well. Great point.
Cheers, Mel
Hi Mel,
Since most of the bloggers don’t have editors, I came up with a unique way of editing my write-ups. When I finish off writing the blog post, I don’t look at it until the next day.
So it gives me a chance to start editing with a fresh mind and new perspective. It makes my editing a whole lot better. I’m glad to share that sometimes I end up defining the narrative in a better way — all because my write-ups go through, at least, two phases of editing.
I’m looking forward to coming back here.
Hi Hassaan, putting aside your work for 24 hours is a great editing technique. I do it all the time. Thanks for sharing, and I look forward to seeing you back here again.
Cheers, Mel
This is truly useful, thanks.
It works very well for me
Glad to hear it!
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the post. I’ll certainly return.
Ϝantastic bloɡ! Do ｙou have any tips and hints foг aspiring
writeгs? I’m planning to staгt my own sitｅ soon but I’m
a little lost on еѵerything. Would you propose starting with a free
platform ⅼike WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many oρtions out there that I’m totally confused ..
Any recommendations? Many thanks!
Thanks for dropping by. Start with WordPress.com, and keep writing, like everyday.
Cheers, Mel
I wish I learnt this 10 years earlier; I would be an editor today. Great read Mel.
Thanks, Maurice
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