Voice Defined

Voice is the presence or the sound of self chosen by an author.  Most good writing sounds like someone delivering a message.  The aim in good student writing is to sound natural.  Voice will always be affected by the audience and occasion for writing.  The nature of material to be discussed also affects the voice used.  For example, it would be very inappropriate to use a humorous voice to write a eulogy about someone's death.  It is much like the range of speaking tones we use to impart mood, be it sorrow or joy.  The same content when stated in the wrong voice will be unappealing, and perhaps, even alienate an audience.  The advice given to writers is to not only be themselves, but to also be sincere.  If we do not pay attention to voice as writers,
our message may not be delivered as the audience of readers will not go farther than the first paragraph if
insulting or inappropriate voice is used.
 

There are many styles of voice; appropriateness depends on subject and audience.  While I like to read Woody Allen's writing (satirical and humorous), you may not.  The most dangerous type of voice to use, as just indicated, is humor.  What is hilariously funny to one person may be totally offensive, or just not funny, to another.  When writing humor then, writers must be especially careful to consider their audience.

Finally, voice involves taking the topic/subject at hand and asking "What tone would work best here for my audience, and for me, to sound natural in writing it?"  Testing out your voice on prospective readers will also enable the writer to make adjustments where necessary.

Do's and Don'ts of Voice

1.  Take both subject and audience into account

As stated above, your material will be read and more understandable if these two criteria have been followed.

2.  Be sure to check on revision that the material and voice is appropriate.

3.  Sound natural

Do  sound like yourself when you talk, except eliminate slang, any vulgarity, etc.  Don't suddenly become pompous and use ten syllable words in your writing.  Your writing is a reflection of you!

 Top of Page

• Is the tone and subject appropriate for the audience?
• Has the work been revised to include appropriate tone?
• Does the writing sound natural?  Does it sound like the writer, or has the writer assumed a pretentious tone which is unlike the writer's normal sounding self?

          Last Updated: July, 2003
          Patricia A. Hutchins
         http://www.delta.edu/pahutchi/voice.html