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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