For a writer, nothing is worse than feeling that readers don’t get your point. (Except, maybe, the thought that nobody is even reading your work.) With so many distractions in today’s world, I’m always looking for new ways to grab an audience’s attention with the written word. And I think I’ve found one.
Writing “Gangnam Style.”
If you’re not familiar with the Gangnam phenomenon, watch the music video by the Korean performer who calls himself “Psy.” (Short for Psycho, he says.) As of this writing, it’s the most “liked” video on YouTube – ever – after just two months. It’s a Korean pop sensation gone mainstream.
Let’s review the elements. Nerdy guy. Dorky “horse dance.” Words only Korean-speakers can understand. And yet, within two months of releasing this video, Psy has become a phenomenon in the US and around the world. He’s appeared on Saturday Night Live, The Today Show, Ellen, and the Dodger Stadium “dance cam.” He’s even giving Justin Bieber a run for his money, having signed on with his manager. What gives?
He found a way to connect with his viewers.
And while a music video with a catchy beat and bizarre antics is a far cry from words on a page, this viral hit can teach writers a few things about connecting with an audience. Here are five ways to invigorate your writing by imitating “Gangnam Style.”
1) Learn your craft. Psy attended the Berklee College of Music, and he has been performing since 2001. Gangnam Style might be an overnight sensation, but Psy isn’t. Writing is similar toil. We need to know the rules of the page, read copiously, and write – a lot. Take classes or workshops. Keep up with trends and buzzwords in our chosen field(s). This goes for any kind of writing, whether business, journalistic, or literary. It’s essential to keep learning and finding new ways to stay on your readers’ radar.
2) Don’t hold back. In Gangnam Style, Psy dances like there’s no tomorrow. The moves may be cheesy (his description) but he goes for it, no holds barred. Focus and energy are essential for writers, too. It’s easy to be distracted by e-mail, the internet, or a sunny day. So find ways to stay disciplined. Get internet blocking software. Don’t answer calls from friends when you’re on deadline. Get blackout curtains. Whatever it takes.
3) Let readers identify with you. Psy certainly doesn’t seem to worry about looking silly. In Gangnam Style, he’s a nerdy, less-than-superbly-toned guy who has aspirations beyond his station. But somehow he gets the girl. We laugh at his antics, yet also feel a kinship with him. He seems accessible. This type of accessibility is important in writing, too. Know your audience and write in a way that speaks to them so they’ll be more receptive to what you have to say.
4) Use humor where appropriate. Humor is tricky. It’s personal, it’s cultural, and it’s rarely universal. Not everyone who views the Gangnam Style video finds it funny. But a lot of them sure do. One reason is the over-the-top visuals. But something deeper is going on, too. Psy makes fun of the wealthy Gangnam section of Seoul by declaring over and over that he – this nerdy guy doing a cheesy horse dance – does things “Gangnam style” (akin to, say, “Beverly Hills style”). That’s a funny juxtaposition in just about any culture. Find a way to give this kind of wink to the reader and they’ll appreciate being in on the joke.
5) Find the mot juste. Besides “style,” only two words in the song are in English: “sexy lady.” Asked why, Psy said, “Because I can’t find any other words. Sexy lady is sexy lady.” He might also have been thinking about a potential US audience singing along. Writers can play at this game, too. Whether it’s a foreign word or a buzzword your audience loves, placing the mot juste in your writing where appropriate can get readers’ attention. (Note: I don’t mean using a lot of jargon. That’s likely to turn readers off.)
It’s amazing that so many people have embraced a song with lyrics they can’t understand. In some ways the lyrics don’t even matter, but for anyone interested here’s a translation. (Disclaimer: I don’t speak Korean so I can’t verify the accuracy.)