Editor’s note: Ana Pierce, creator of the lifestyle blog She Learns Things, shares her thoughts about voice in writing.
In writing, “voice” is the tone that authors and content creators use to communicate their messages. Voice may seem secondary to fact checking, grammar, or punctuation — all important for writers to conquer — but the fact of the matter is that using (and maintaining) the right voice is imperative for authors to build an audience.
For a reader, voice is the quickest indication as to what type of material he/she is reading. A fun, informal tone will often signify that the subject matter is light, while a more professional tone is typically used for more serious content. As the Internet encourages self-publishing, fewer authors are reaching out to editors than ever before.
Online writers must maintain a voice to gain audience appeal.
Determining voice
First person: An author writing in the first person is like an individual wearing a bathrobe. A first-person narrative is a personal experience; the writer is speaking out of his or her knowledge based on an individual piece of knowledge. Authors can write formally in the first person, but readers must remember that what is one person’s opinion may not be the authority for all.
Second person: Think of articles in second person as individuals dressed in a uniform. As uniforms are a wide array of clothing options (baseball uniform, nursing scrubs, firefighters, etc.), second-person narratives are a wide variety of texts. The most unifying of these positions is “we’re all in this together.” An author writing in second person is inviting the reader to join him/her on a team.
Third person: When a writer leaves “you” and “me” out of the text, imagine the writer in formal wear. This person is speaking formally, often indicating a position of knowledge. Writing in third person is the key to an informative, professional tone. Content creators who are aiming to educate their audience from a position of authority should use third person.
Questions to ask
Who is the target audience?
Authors should first determine their audience, as this is the biggest indicator of what tone to use. Writers should imagine themselves as the target audience when re-reading drafts.
What are the audience needs?
Writers should determine if the audience is expecting humor, or a more formal approach to the subject. A writer must also consider whether or not the audience would need definitions for field-related jargon.
What adjectives describe the author?
More than anything, authors must be true to themselves when writing. A writer who attempts to be anything other than himself/herself is often making a mistake. Authors should write what feels most natural (usually how he/she would speak) in the appropriate context.