5 Ways to Write in Your Own Voice for Your Business

1. Just write. To write in your own voice for your business, don’t judge your writing or think too much about it. Save that for the editing and proofreading stage later.

2. Don’t strain to sound like how you think you should sound. Otherwise, your writing might become stiff and formal, lapsing into the passive voice and businessese. Don’t catch those conditions.

3. Show some personality. “Being yourself” makes your writing lively and engaging — that includes aiming for a laugh now and then. Humor is sometimes tricky and subjective, but if you handle it well, it comes across well.

4. Stop editing what you’ve just written. Don’t change a sentence you’ve just written. This constipated form of writing, in which you’re constantly crafting the perfect sentence, stifles creativity and prevents perfection.

5. Don’t rewrite endlessly. Like the above, for some people, this has become a pastime. Constantly editing your work in search of perfection (which doesn’t exist) is also a form of procrastination, which is an excuse not to show your writing to the world. If you doubt your abilities, it’s easier to hire a professional (like me).

Feel like you’re writing in a foreign language? Discover how to write in your own voice for your business to impress others and gain the right clients.

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Quotes

“If you are not afraid of the voices inside you, you will not fear the critics outside you.” ~ Natalie Goldberg

“When you find your authentic voice, it’s like stepping into a comfortable pair of shoes. The rhythm and pacing of your words feel right, as if they’re meant just for you.” ~ Shirley Kawa-Jump

5 Ways to “Write Tight” for Your Business

1. Omit needless words. This is the best advice to “write tight.” As William Strunk and E.B. White wrote in their classic grammar book, The Elements of Style, every word should “tell” or serve a purpose. When you’re done writing, see if removing certain words changes the overall meaning of your sentences. Make your sentences leaner and “meaner,” to strengthen them and pack more of a punch.

2. Plan. To keep your thoughts focused, create a list or an outline detailing your subject matter. Some people dislike planning, but this simple step helps me stay organized and on topic.

3. Set a word limit. Limit the scope of your piece to a certain number of words to help you cut the deadwood.

4. Prefer one word over two. For example, the two sentences below have a similar meaning, but one is more to the point:

A. Turn on the light.
B. Flip the switch.

5. Use bullet points. Bullet points help summarize key ideas. They work well for grouping words and phrases together, so you don’t always need to write complete sentences. For example:

Backing Crash Prevention

  • Eliminate distractions
  • Keep your eyes moving
  • Use your mirrors

Quotes

“Four basic premises of writing: clarity, brevity, simplicity, and humanity.” ~ William Zinsser

“Brevity is the soul of wit.” ~ William Shakespeare, Hamlet


Comments? Suggestions? Need help with your writing? Feel free to contact me.

Michelle Troutman
classywriting.com