Carl Sandburg, a famous American poet, biographer and writer, often emphasized the importance of reading your work out loud as a way to refine your writing. He believed that the rhythm and flow of language are best understood through the spoken word. By listening to your writing, you can catch awkward phrasing, unnatural dialogue, or uneven pacing that might not be obvious when reading silently. This technique is especially useful for poetry and prose, as it helps writers create a more natural and engaging cadence.

Sandburg’s tip aligns with advice from many writers who say that hearing the words gives a fresh perspective and brings the text to life. It’s a simple but powerful tool for improving the quality and clarity of your writing. I do this all the time.

I find it especially valuable when writing a screenplay. I do several table reads of my screenplays to learn where the dialogue may not flow as freely as it should.