Yeah, I Hear You
Ever notice when you read some writers’ work, that you can almost hear them? I don’t just mean that they write conversationally. I mean that, well, you can almost hear the pitch of a voice, a twinkle in an eye.
How do some writers do that? How do they become real in your mind while you read?
It’s the writer’s voice.
A Writer’s Voice
A writer’s voice is in part the words a writer choses, but it’s more than that. Voice is the way a writer puts words together and offers them to readers. Here are some ways to ensure that your voice comes through when you write..
- Let me know that you care. Go past picking a subject you like. Pick a point of view that intrigues you. Then follow your instincts.
- Fall in love with fresh and relevant details. Then tell me about them in engaging, natural language. Talk about them the way you tell about a discovery with excitement and passion. Be a kid again.
- Write like leader. Leaaders know the writing rules, but don’t lose their voice following them. Organize what you say and your reason for saying it around what is meaningful to you.
- Risk like a hero. Heroes are shy or boastful. Offer details that reveal small things about you. Using personal examples can add credibility when they’re sincere and related.
- Don’t forget your feelings. Adding passion, emotion, something I can feel is a good thing when you’re trying to persuade me. It’s nice to know that you’re invested on more than one level. That lets me know it’s worth my time to keep reading.
- Write like you already know me. Listen in to your writing for me. Pre-select and edit. Leave out the stuff that you wouldn’t read. You’ll be glad you did. So will I.
- Plus one: Let me know about your humanity. Show your sense of humor. Respect me, make me think, and make me wonder. In other words, don’t just be conversational, have the voice of a lifelong friend.
A message has much more meaning when the voice telling it has these qualities.
The folks I read most are those whose voice draws me in and keeps me. Their voice becomes where I can place my thoughts while I read.
There’s only one you. Go ahead use your voice. Your writing voice is the sound of your brand. It’s a powerful tool for connecting with readers. The sound of your voice sticks your words in their heads. It’s intangible blog business branding.
How do you know when your voice is coming through?
–ME “Liz” Strauss
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shirley buxton says
June 19, 2006 at 11:42 AMGood morning, Liz. Thank you for this essay on Voice–I’ll take notice of every point. I find your writing helpful and fun to read.
blessings,
shirley
ME Strauss says
June 19, 2006 at 12:10 PMGood morning, Shirley.
I’m always delighted to see you drop by.
Did you ever post the answer to question 2? I don’t want to miss giving you the link.
I’m delighted you like what I do with writing here, especially that you find it fun. If you’re not having fun. We’re both not doing something right. That’s how I look at most things. 🙂
Tim says
June 19, 2006 at 1:44 PMI can always tell when my personal ‘writer’s voice’ is coming out because I don’t have to think about what I’m writing. It all flows out with my thoughts and thats where wmy W-V originates. If you’re trying to hard, you’re not using your voice.
ME Strauss says
June 19, 2006 at 3:11 PMHi Tim,
Yeah, that would seem to be a really good sign. If you know your topic really well and you feel yourself comfortably talking about it. That sure sets you up to be in the writing in your own voice without “over-thinking.” That’s insightful how you say that. 🙂
ann michael says
June 19, 2006 at 3:36 PMOn the opposite side, you can always tell when your voice isn’t coming through. Ever read something you’re working on and it just doesn’t sound right? The words are all there – the concept is there – but it’s just not working! When I have things like that I throw them in the unpublished file and come back to them later. I often find that I didn’t agree with my point to begin with or that something was missing – those posts often end up going in a completely different direction.
ME Strauss says
June 19, 2006 at 3:41 PMWhat a great point, Ann.
Yeah I’ve done that. Putting it aside is a great way to deal with it.
Sometimes I don’t know when I’m too tired to write.
Or as you said,I’ve also had times when I don’t agree with what I’m saying, but don’t realize it.
Both times I’m just pounding out keys.
THAT’s when I think that people misunderstand my meaning or hear me as being “meaner” than I mean to be.
After all i am the nice one. 🙂
shirley buxton says
June 19, 2006 at 4:23 PMYes, Liz. I did post the answer, although I’m thinking it was question 7–not sure and don’t know where that post is. The question was: What word made you scribble on your screen with crayons. I posted the answer as the 8th comment on my post: Finch Feeding on Sock.
I have been groveling in self-pity because you seemed not to have taken notice of my perfect answer…but I suppose I will be over it now, since you have spoken to me…and it’s such work to grovel.
My post on 100 Bloggers (don’t know how to do html in a comment) will make you smile…and cause you to congratulate me. 🙂
shirley buxton says
June 19, 2006 at 4:26 PMYou probably need this address in order to rush right over there: http://100bloggers.com
ME Strauss says
June 19, 2006 at 4:40 PMAHHHH Shirley, You put the answer in YOUR comments. That’s why I didn’t see it.
I was looking in MY comments and not in yours. There you go. That explains what happened. You indeed will get your link. I am so glad I asked about it.
Christine Kane says
June 20, 2006 at 7:36 AMI love the idea of “the sound of your brand.” It allows for the truth behind good branding…which comes out of authenticity more than “thinking something up.” I’m a songwriter, and so I’m constantly challenging myself to find new ways of doing things within my own voice. (And I deal with lots of music biz people who are very into the branding thing.) I really love your blog, by the way. I’m one of your quiet readers in the background!
ME Strauss says
June 20, 2006 at 7:42 AMHi Christine,
Welcome! I often write with music and always with my headphones on.
Your comment is insightful on so many levels . . . the sound of authenticity is a musician and a writers idea. I often talk about the “music” of the language. I guess that’s the place where the two meet.
Thank you for your nice words, too. Believe me. They mean so very much. You’re not a quiet stranger anymore. Now you’re a friend and a contributor — quiet again or not so. 🙂