I feel confident speaking for most book lovers when I say one of the best things about reading is experiencing the unique writing voices of the authors. Think about reading the works of your favorite authors. Their unique voice is a big part of what captures you to keep you reading, right? It gets you hooked, keeping your nose in the book til the very end.

If you are starting to dabble into writing as a new hobby or taking it more seriously and writing blogs, marketing content, crafting the perfect lead magnet, or writing a book, finding your unique writing voice is like discovering your secret superpower. Your voice is a sacred key to building trust with your audience, especially if you’re an entrepreneur or thought leader. Your unique voice, in your own style, makes your content not just informative, which is super important, but also engaging and relatable to your readers. Imagine you’re guiding your readers through your writing with a narrative voice, one that feels like a friendly chat over a cup of coffee. In this blog, we’ll explore what makes a unique writing voice and share some fun, practical tips to help you develop your own unique voice. So, dive in with me to unlock the magic of your writing voice!

What is a Writing Voice?

Think of your writing voice as your personal brand in words. How you express yourself, combining your tone, style, and personality into a perfect blend that’s uniquely you. Unlike the writer’s voice, which is your overall style, the writing voice is how you sound in each piece of writing.

How does your favorite author’s voice sound? What is their unique style?

For example, Brene Brown’s writing is like a heartfelt conversation with a trusted friend. It feels authentic, warm, and deeply insightful. On the other hand, Miguel Ruiz’s voice is like a sage’s counsel, profound, spiritual, and illuminating. They have completely different styles, neither better or worse than the other. Just different, capturing readers in their own ways.

Are you wondering how you find your own style? Let’s start with understanding these four terms and then you can start to refine your own writing voice.

• Unique voice – the distinct way authors express themselves through their writing. It’s a combination of tone, style, and personality that makes their work original, more memorable, and engaging, making it stand out from others.
• Writing style – the author’s method of storytelling. It can be formal, informal, conversational, or descriptive writing and includes key elements like sentence structure, choice of words, syntax, and tone. It varies between authors and genres, and it influences how the reader perceives and engages with the words.
• Narrative voice – the perspective or persona of how a story is communicated to the reader. It can be first-person, second-person, or third-person. It establishes the character’s voice and shapes how the story is told, how the reader experiences it, and conveys the author’s thoughts, emotions, and viewpoints.
• Distinct voice – the specific qualities that make the author’s writing unmistakably theirs. Similar to unique voice, but emphasizes the clarity and individuality of the author’s delivery.

Think of it as finding your personal groove in the limitless realm of writing. How does your writing voice sound?

Finding and Developing Your Own Voice

Discovering your unique voice is kind of like going on a treasure hunt. It’s exciting and full of pleasant surprises! Here are some fun tips to help you map out the way:

• Free Writing: Let your thoughts flow freely and continuously without worrying about structure, grammar, or typos. This is your time to write like nobody’s reading! I like to turn off Grammarly while I free-write.
• Writing Prompts: Like little creativity boosters. Pick a prompt, set a timer, or don’t, and see where your imagination takes you. If you’re interested, every Monday we have a new writing prompt on our Facebook Page!
• Explore Different Voices: This one’s fun. Read a variety of authors/genres, maybe something you normally wouldn’t read, and try mimicking their styles. It’s like trying on different outfits at your favorite department store to see what feels good on you.

Elements of a Unique Writing Voice

It takes several ingredients blended together to create your writing voice, and playing around with the measurements can be a lot of fun. Try these out:

• Sentence Structure: Mix it up! Try using short, punchy sentences to keep things snappy like a burst of flavor with quick delivery. Go for longer flowing sentences to explore ideas deeper like letting the flavors slowly meld together.
• Word Choice: Words are your spices. Choose vivid, expressive words to bring your writing to life in the reader’s mind. Don’t be scared to be bold, each word adds a distinct taste to your narrative.
• Syntax: Like the way you arrange your ingredients on the plate to be visually appealing, how you structure your words, phrases, and sentences adds flair and personality to your writing. Play around with different arrangements until it feels just right.
• Point of View: This is your technique. Whether you’re writing in first person narrative or third person, your perspective shapes the flavor of your voice. Experiment with both and see what compliments your story best.

Building Trust Through Your Writing

Having a consistent and authentic writing voice is your golden ticket to building trust with your readers. It doesn’t matter if you’re blogging, podcasting, or writing a book, maintaining your voice across all your content helps your audience feel connected to you. The trust is built when your readers feel like they’re getting to know the real you, and your authentic voice maintains the sense of reliability they need.

Practical Writing Tips

You want to keep your writing voice vibrant and lively, but sometimes we struggle with things like writer’s block. It’s okay, we all do. Here are some fun strategies to help you maintain and keep enhancing your voice, and ultimately be a better writer:

• Routine Writing: Set aside dedicated time each day for writing, even if it’s only 15 minutes. It’s like having a daily date with your creativity.
• Seek Inspiration: It’s everywhere! Read a variety of works, watch movies, listen to music, or go explore the world. Jot down your observations because they can be the seeds for new stories to bloom. Let the world around you spark your imagination.
• Feedback and Revision: Embrace a second set of eyes on your writing for feedback. Revisions are an opportunity to polish your voice. It’s like refining a rough diamond into a sparkling gem.

Use Personal Stories and Real Life Examples

Who doesn’t love a good story? Your personal experiences are a goldmine for developing your unique voice and building trust with your readers. Sharing real-life anecdotes not only makes your writing more relatable but it also showcases your authentic self. Here are some ways to weave personal stories into your writing:

• Personal Experiences: Share stories from your life that help illustrate your points. Maybe it’s a lesson learned from a failure or a triumphant achievement. Your experiences will add depth and authenticity to your writing.
• Humor and Emotion: Don’t be afraid to show your funny side or express your emotions. A well-placed joke or heartfelt moment can make your writing more engaging, relatable, and memorable.
• Relate to Your Readers: Consider your readers’ challenges and experiences. Sharing stories that resonate with their lives builds a stronger connection and deeper trust.

What to do next

Remember, your voice is a reflection of who you are, so embrace it fully and let it shine in your writing journey. Keep dreaming, keep writing, keep experimenting, and most importantly, have fun with it!

If you’re looking for support as you develop your writing voice, we’re here for you!

Download our free Thought Leadership 101 Guide to kickstart your writing journey today!

Happy writing!

Maria Chapman, CEO and Owner of Connected Ghostwriting