Writers: 7 dos and 7 don’ts to help find your voice
Finding your voice as a writer is a difficult task; it’s also important to find that voice when creating content for social media. Here are some tips for doing just that.
The service includes a Thought for Today, which is a wise quote from a variety of sources. A recent quote inspired this post:
“Writing, when properly managed, (as you may be sure I think mine is) is but a different name for conversation.” – Laurence Sterne, novelist and clergyman (1713-1768)
Straight from the 18th century comes a concept as fresh as though it were written for the first time in 2011. Contrary to traditional advertising’s sales-y tone, the corporate-speak of some company websites, or the overly nuanced language of press releases, writing in a social media world calls for a different style—a conversational one.
Here are a few thoughts on finding your authentic voice for written conversation:
• Do write as though you were speaking.
• Don‘t over think the first draft. You can—and should—always go back and edit.
• Do share occasional personal thoughts, perceptions, and experiences when they serve to illustrate a point.
• Don‘t go overboard with personal information. Learn to walk a line that offers an authentic peek at who you are, while retaining a businesslike decorum.
• Do use interesting words and turns of phrase.
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