It’s writing from the top of one’s head done with great skill. Like a stage actor who seems almost unrehearsed but is totally convincing and effective in the role.

Aaron Judge – WSJ 8-5-2022

re:

“The Yankees’ Dream Is a World Series. Their Nightmare Is Aaron Judge on the Mets.”

By Jason Gay

The Wall Street Journal

August. 5, 2022

Jason Gay is a popular (deservedly) sportswriter for the Wall Street Journal.

I think that this piece and Mr. Gay’s writing demonstrate something that I would say is not that common among journalists and writers in general. Which is to say a rare and unique talent. To write naturally . Fluidly. To let one’s thoughts guide you, the writer, and shape as well as inform the piece.

As distinguished from the usual essay, report, or op-ed, which is, by comparison, plodding. In which the writer’s personality is subsumed in the interests of an orderly “agenda,” or what is known as exposition.

Russell Baker could also do this.

It’s writing “from the top of one’s head,” done with great skill. Like a stage actor who seems almost unrehearsed, but is totally convincing and effective in the role.

— posted by Roger W. Smith

August 6, 2022

Roger's rhetoric

Roger W. Smith's observations about the craft of writing and principles of rhetoric, derived from his professional experience and his study, reading, and training.

Tag Archives: It’s writing from the top of one’s head done with great skill. Like a stage actor who seems almost unrehearsed but is totally convincing and effective in the role.

“It sounds like someone complaining about the cup holders in a Bentley convertible.”