What is "stilted" writing?

Question

What is "stilted" writing?

Answer 1

Overly formal writing is often called 'stilted,' because it does not generate enough warmth or personality from the writer to fully engage a reader.

ADD: The writer doesn't have to make the writing autobiographical or 'truly personal' or 'gushy,' I don't mean that.

I mean the writer needs to put a welcoming tone into whatever is written.

The writer simply should be sure that what IS written will hook a reader and keep the reader interested in the subject.

Answer 2

My initial response is to say anything in italics, but I'm thinking that's wrong.

I did some research, I became seriously confused.

This link has to do with sock puppets and Dr Who.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User_talk:G...

This one is in Wikipedia's archives.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia_t...

Answer 3

By definition:

stilt·ed [ stíltəd ]

adjective  



Definition:

  

1. not fluent: lacking fluency so as to be halting or unnatural in flow



2. formal: pompous or unduly formal

Answer 4

Example: your school textbooks are all stilted. College professor's textbooks are stilted.  

Answer 5

LJK is right! Stiled writing is overly formal writing.

P.S.- Not all school textbooks are stilted, my school's textbooks are informal.