{"id":9730,"date":"2015-07-16T11:14:43","date_gmt":"2015-07-16T18:14:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dev-crowdcontent.com\/?p=9730"},"modified":"2021-04-28T06:58:35","modified_gmt":"2021-04-28T13:58:35","slug":"choosing-the-right-tone","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.crowdcontent.com\/resources\/writer\/university\/blogging\/choosing-the-right-tone\/","title":{"rendered":"Choosing the Right Tone"},"content":{"rendered":"

Choosing the Right Tone<\/h2>\n

You might think that writing is more formal than speaking, but that\u2019s not always the case, especially in blogging. Unless your client specifies otherwise, you want your blog to sound conversational.<\/strong><\/p>\n

How do you do that? <\/em><\/p>\n

Here are five tips.<\/p>\n

Write Like You\u2019re Talking to a Friend<\/h3>\n

When you\u2019re talking to your friends, you use the pronoun \u201cyou\u201d, as well as contractions, sentence fragments, and informal words. You might also say \u201cumm\u201d and \u201cuhhh\u201d a lot, but get rid of those interjections in your blogging. Think of it this way: write in the same tone that you use with your friends, but without any awkward pauses.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Stuffy:<\/strong><\/span> Lots of people want to improve their blog tone. Here are some tips on how to do so.<\/p>\n

Conversational:<\/span><\/strong> Do you want to improve your blog tone? I\u2019ve got four tips to help you.<\/p>\n

Stuffy:<\/strong><\/span> Cameras have improved in the last year. Here are things to look for when buying a camera.<\/p>\n

Conversational:<\/span><\/strong> So, you\u2019re buying a new camera. Unless you\u2019re a photography buff, you\u2019re probably unaware of the latest camera features. Here are some of the most essential features to look for.<\/p>\n

What changes these examples from stuffy to conversational? Writing for \u201cyou\u201d, asking questions, and using contractions.<\/p>\n

If you have trouble writing conversationally, picture a specific person that you\u2019re writing\/talking to.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Tell Stories<\/h3>\n

Stories create a personal connection with your reader. You\u2019re no longer just conveying information, you\u2019re sharing your life. Don\u2019t forget that stories also make great opening lines.<\/a><\/p>\n

Have a Personality<\/h3>\n

You\u2019re a real person, so don\u2019t pretend that you\u2019re not! For most blogs, you probably want to seem friendly, humorous, and upbeat.<\/strong> If your real personality doesn\u2019t fit those descriptions, experiment with an online persona; just make sure that your tone is still authentic.<\/p>\n

Break the Rules<\/h3>\n

How do you feel about your grammar<\/span>? While you shouldn\u2019t do anything too drastic on your blog, you are allowed to break some grammar rules. Sentence fragments<\/a> and starting sentences with a coordinating conjunction<\/a> are definitely acceptable.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Example: Today I saw a rattle snake. In my shower.<\/em><\/p>\n

Example: But you wouldn\u2019t do that.<\/em><\/p>\n

Be Positive<\/h3>\n

Has your client provided a call to action for your blog post? If so, your goal is to make readers inspired enough to fulfill that call.<\/p>\n

If you think that a whiny, grumpy, ranting, or otherwise negative post is motivating, think again.<\/p>\n

Staying positive throughout your post leaves a good impression and might even make your readers\u2019 day.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Try This!<\/h3>\n

Pay attention to your conversations. If you can remember a conversation almost word-for-word, right it down.<\/p>\n

How do you talk? <\/em><\/p>\n

Do you use exclamations, slang, improper grammar, personal pronouns? Include those in your writing.<\/p>\n

Learn More:<\/p>\n