Trait 3--Voice

My paper sounds too much like I am talking to my friends. What do I do?

You are worried about your writing being too conversational. There is also a flip side to this problem. You don't want your written voice to be too formal. It is tough to find a balance between personal and professional, but strong writers are able to do just that. Your writing should reflect who you are and sound natural, within the confines of the assignment. A strong voice is convincing and excited. It conveys your interest in the topic and should engage your reader to want to learn what you have to say. Your voice should reflect the purpose and audience for your writing. For example, Jerry Seinfeld's written voice will be very different than that of a Star Tribune newspaper columnist.

How can you create a written voice of your own that will be entertaining yet professional?

• Read your writing aloud. If it sounds forced or unnatural, your voice is probably too formal and stiff. If it sounds like you are chatting on the phone, it is probably too conversational. Go for a happy medium.
• Keep your purpose in mind. What type of writing are you doing? This helps define how your writing should sound. You will use a different voice in an analytical essay than in a narrative.
• Keep your audience in mind. Who will read what you write? You will use a different voice in an email to a friend than in an essay for a teacher or your classmates.

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