I realize that when you write an article nobody actually hears you speak. However, there is still a “voice” that comes across in an article, whether we know it or not. Unfortunately, the wrong voice can kill your article before it ever has a chance to breathe life. In this article, we’re going to discuss the practice of finding your voice and how to get it across to your readers so that the article has the desired effect. Hopefully, after reading this, you’ll have a pretty good idea of what voice to use depending on what article topic you’re writing on.
So what exactly IS the article voice? Well, it’s the seriousness, or lack thereof, in the tone you use. It’s also the kind of vocabulary and dialogue that you use. For example, if you′re righting an article on the subject of hip hop, you′re not going to use the same kind of dialogue that you would if you were writing an article on how to cure acne. For one thing, you′re probably reaching two completely different audiences. That’s why the really good writers are able to adapt their voice to the audience they’re reaching.
How do you do that? Well, for starters, you have to understand the topic very well. So if you’re going to write about hip hop, you need to research not only the facts of hip hop but the world itself. You have to learn how these people think, act, feel, and speak. Depending on how quick a study you are, this could take hours, weeks, or even months or years.But however long it takes, you need to master that voice or you’re going to lose your audience right away.
The best way to really get this point across is with a couple of examples. This first paragraph is going to be from a hypothetical article on rock and roll. The second paragraph will be from a hypothetical article on bowling. Okay, here’s paragraph one.
Back in the 60s was when rock and roll was king. Groups like the Stones and Steppenwolf were dominating the airwaves. Today’s a whole new story. While the Stones are still kicking away, many of the great rock and roll bands of that era are long gone. The new genre sounds more like a garage band get together than what we used to call real hard rock. Sure, heavy metal is still hanging on by a thread, but most of it is so incoherent that you need a decoder ring to figure out what anybody is saying.
Okay, I think you got the tone and message, whether or not you agree with it. Now, let’s hit that bowling article.
Bowling is a very relaxing and family oriented sport. There are usually many bowling centers in most major cities. While the sport has somewhat declined in popularity over the past 20 years, it is still a pleasant night out for you and the kids. Bowling is still one of the cheapest forms of entertainment that you can find, especially with a ticket to a movie costing as much as $10 or more. You should have no trouble finding an establishment near you simply by looking in your local phone directory.
Notice the difference? I sure as heck hope so. And, if I was writing about a surgical procedure, I would take a very serious and methodical tone.
The bottom line is this. You have to know your audience. Once you do, the rest comes from writing, writing and more writing.
Like they say, practice makes perfect.
To YOUR Success,
Steven Wagenheim
Want to write killer articles? Want your bios to sizzle? Want to get people flocking to your site like bees to honey? Check out a book that I personally wrote called “The Complete Article Writing And Marketing Guide” which you can find at stevewagenheim.com/ stevewagenheim.com/ under the products section. This is my own personal site made especially for writers and marketers where you will find articles, reviews and a wealth of information on many topics related to writing and marketing.