![]() If we understand ourselves and what we are trying to accomplish, voice is something we can construct without artifice. Would shortening the sentences give it more impact? Or would using more sophisticated syntax give it gravitas? What makes it different to the way you spoke with your friend or colleague? ![]() ![]() Now go back to that post from a few months ago and examine the words within it. content on The New York Times), while quick punchy thoughts are more playful and edgy (e.g. ![]() What kind of language do you use when you feel comfortable? Short, snappy sentences or long, insightful observations?Ĭomplex sentences and paragraphs can suggest a sombre, academic tone (e.g. Watch a video of yourself in a casual setting. Think about the way you speak in conversation with a friend or trusted work colleague. Word choice matters too-sophisticated, eloquent vocabulary indicates expertise, while contemporary slang gives writing a youthful edge. Aligning the way you speak with the way you write is the key to being authentic. Sentence structure and word selection are a huge part of the voice of a piece. It might feel overwhelming to also consider voice- but chances are that you have a style and tone already. Examine Your Wordsįor most people, content must adhere to professional expectations, be created on tight deadlines, and include critical points. Keep those in mind, as we get into the nitty-gritty of connecting the words you write with the way you are. Authentic? Bold? Thoughtful? Contentious? Make a quick list of three to five characteristics you want to convey in your writing. The more we write, the easier it is to show who we really are in a measured and deliberate way. Authenticity requires bravery and consistency. It’s difficult to find a balance between who we really are and who our job wants us to be. If your answers are aligned with what you hoped a reader would get from the piece, well done! You have discovered your voice and can work to refine it by being aware of what you want to put on the page.īut… if the voice is different from what you wanted it to be, you’re not alone. Thought leaders often focus on ground-breaking findings and trending topics. Light-hearted posts steer away from subjects like death and taxes. What is the mood of the post? How does it make you feel? Did you feel connected to your audience? Does the piece seem interesting, intelligent, cutting-edge, snarky, funny?Ĭonsider what you are talking about. Make sure it is recent enough to be aligned with the way you currently write, but distant enough to allow for objectivity. Read something you wrote on LinkedIn a few months ago. Remember Who You AreĪ great first step is to consider the voice you currently use. There are lots of easy ways to discover and hone your voice on-line. In other words, creating original content that represents the real you is the best way to get noticed and is a sure path to becoming a respected authority on a subject. public speaking gigs, board roles, you name it). Well-articulated posts inspire greater engagement on social media and can also generate other opportunities in your career (e.g. I also know that using a clear and compelling voice is the difference between content that gets scrolled… and newsfeed posts that set you apart as a thought leader in your field. You’ve earned your spot in your company or profession precisely because of who you are.Īs a professional writer, I know there are a few simple ways to align your spoken voice with the one you put on the page. These are legitimate concerns that I help mitigate every day.īeing authentic takes courage-but not as much as you think. Some fear that they will sound robotic and inauthentic when discussing latest tech or significant breakthroughs in their business. They tell me they would prefer to stay quiet-to keep their insights and perspectives out of the equation-for avoiding blowback, or trolls, or even risk to their personal brand by saying the wrong thing. Many executives and professionals that I work with are apprehensive about publishing their true thoughts as they worry about negative consequences. I promised to share tips on how to get the most out of your “human” voice. In our last newsletter, I talked about ChatGPT and how AI robot writing has a somewhat sterile voice of its own (which may or may not suit the tone of your piece). Voice is the make-or-break factor in how content is recognized and received. In this second edition of The Content Connection, I delve into the importance of creating highly authentic personal brand content for LinkedIn (and other online platforms).
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