Simple Steps To Help You Identify Your Writing Voice

You do have a voice, you just don’t know it yet…

Have you ever read a fantastic piece and were in absolute awe of the writer’s manner of expression, style and delivery?

This is what happens when a writer’s voice shines through and adequately captures the readers’ attention.

The truth is, every writer has a writing voice and this is seen in his unique style of writing.

You just may not know yours yet. But if you look deeper, you will find it.

And no, writing the exact way you speak may not work for everyone.

This is because with the way english language works, spoken words tend to have more pardonable grammatical errors, incomplete sentences and unusual phrases than written words.

In fact, we can express ourselves orally without caring so much about writing complexities and guiding rules.

Here’s a good example:

Saying “what’s gonna happen?” communicates the speaker’s question well enough when spoken , but it may not exactly be grammatically correct in pen and paper.

Since writing doesn’t come with the use of body language or intonation, there has to be a way to make up for this lack of physical gesture and expression.

This is where editing and corrections come in because you only have your words as the ultimate form of self-expression.

Due to its non-verbal nature, writing comes with the use of 'special effects', where you have to polish your punctuation and refine your written expressions.

From a writer’s choice of words, storytelling style and sentence structure, readers can easily depict his personality and mood.

The choice of words and manner of evoking the reader’s emotion is what distinguishes one writer from another.

It’s what keeps the readers coming back.

As Kristina Adams, an author notes, the average reader’s attention span is just eight seconds, so you need to be able to deliver quickly through simple and easily written pieces if you want to hold that attention.

When writing, it’s very important to let the readers identify your voice.

Your writing voice is too important to be unheard.

What is a writer’s voice?

As a writer, your voice is your personal writing style.

When you use your writing voice, you are simply using that channel through which you can showcase your authentic self.

Here, your inner self and your essential self are the same.

We can loosely call it 'speaking a language the reader understands.’

In other words, it’s the manner in which you communicate your ideas.

This is why two people can re-tell the same story, but express themselves in uniquely different ways.

A writer’s voice consists of the following:

1. Writing technique
2. Tone
3. Rhythm
4. Imagery
5. Structure and sentence usage
6. Any other that makes the writer’s work uniquely attractive

Here’s what happens when you have a writing voice

1. You will attract dedicated fans who will keep returning because they want to read more from you.
2. You will attract potential clients.
3. You will be able to communicate your ideas more effectively.
4. Your work gets easily noticed.

How to find your writing voice

Every writer has a writing voice. You just have to be able to identify it.

I write only because there is a voice within me that will not be still- Sylvia Plath.

If you don’t know your writing voice, here’s what you can do:

1. Write Frequently

The more you write, the quicker it will be to discover your voice. Experiment with various writing ideas.

Through all these, note that finding your voice is not an immediate act.

It doesn’t happen in a day, so be patient enough and you will be able to discover it.

Journaling could also help. Write your truth, unashamed.

It also helps to know your reason for writing.

Ask yourself: why do you write?

Is it to inspire, motivate or create? Or do you simply wish to inform and educate people through your writing? Whatever it is, identify with it and let it continually be a propelling factor.

2. Know your audience

Writing is a two-way process.

It often has the semblance of a conversation where you are journeying into the readers’ mind and helping them understand the information you are trying to pass. When writing, it’s necessary to ask yourself : Who am I writing for?

Your writing voice may be unique to you, but it has to be suitable to the person for whom it’s written.

This is very relevant because it is only when you know who your message is being passed to that you can adapt to make it fitting.

3. Be yourself

Let your persona be reflected in your writing. Try to be as honest, practical and as factual as possible with your readers.

Kristina Aurelia once said : “Readers aren’t dumb. They can tell when you are hiding things from them.”

Write a compelling story that the audience can relate to. Show enough clarity of purpose while writing.

For this reason, it’s advisable to write topics that you are knowledgeable about and genuinely love.

4. Use vivid imagery

Paint a picture in the minds of the readers.

Take their imagination to the highest level.

Appealing to the reader’s senses is one step through the door.

Use words that plunge your audience into a world you have created for them.

As Alex Thompson, a writer at autogrow.co observes, “ the trick is to tap into the personality that your audience will respond to and write truly from that perspective.”

Final Thoughts

The most memorable thing about anything we have read is how the writer passed the message.

The thoughts still linger, long after we have read the piece.

When there is a strong, compelling writing voice, it takes us out of our own reality into that of the writer’s.

To discover your writing voice, you need to know yourself first. Then, your readers.

Good writing requires consistency and attention. Pay attention to the voice in your head when you write, it could be what other people hear when they read what you have written.

Remember, self-reflection and actually writing are what will take you through your writing journey.

“How you write when you think no one is reading is your writing voice.”-Louisa Deasey