1. Structure and Organization:
* Planning: Prose writing requires careful planning and structuring. You need to decide on a narrative arc, establish a clear thesis, and organize your thoughts logically. Casual speech often follows a looser, more meandering path.
* Paragraphs and Sentences: Prose writing involves constructing coherent paragraphs with clear topic sentences and supporting details. Sentence structure and punctuation are essential for clarity and readability. Casual speech often uses sentence fragments and incomplete thoughts.
* Formal Conventions: Prose writing adheres to specific grammatical rules and conventions. It requires proper subject-verb agreement, correct tense usage, and appropriate punctuation. Casual speech is more forgiving in this regard.
2. Diction and Vocabulary:
* Precise Language: Prose writing demands precision in language. Writers must choose words carefully to convey their meaning accurately and effectively. Casual speech often uses colloquialisms, slang, and imprecise language.
* Figurative Language: Prose often employs figurative language (metaphors, similes, imagery) to enhance meaning and create vivid descriptions. Casual speech may use figurative language, but it's less common and typically less sophisticated.
* Conciseness and Clarity: Prose writing aims for clarity and conciseness. Writers must avoid unnecessary words and phrases to ensure that their message is easily understood. Casual speech can be more repetitive and less focused.
3. Tone and Style:
* Purpose and Audience: Prose writing is written for a specific purpose and audience. Writers must consider the tone and style that best suits their topic and intended readership. Casual speech is more informal and adapts to the specific context of the conversation.
* Persuasion and Argumentation: Prose often aims to persuade or argue a point. Writers must craft their arguments logically and use evidence to support their claims. Casual speech is more likely to express opinions and feelings without a strong focus on persuasion.
* Literary Devices: Prose writers use a wide range of literary devices to enhance their writing. These devices include irony, foreshadowing, symbolism, and theme. Casual speech rarely employs these devices.
In short, while casual speech is quick and easy, prose writing requires a deeper understanding of language, structure, and communication. It demands careful planning, precise language, and a keen awareness of the writer's purpose and audience.