Writing in Purdue’s Voice
When writing for another person or organization, it’s important that you set aside your personal writing voice and take on the voice of the person or organization you are writing for.
When writing in a voice that isn’t yours, your first step should be to immerse yourself in the voice of the person or organization as much as possible. Learn the common phrases, the mannerisms and the personality of the person or organization you are emulating. Are their sentences short and to the point? Or do they meander and wander from point to point, using metaphor and hyperbole until the purpose of the sentence crystallizes right in front of your eyes? As you learn more about the voice you are emulating, adapting your writing will feel as natural as writing in your own voice. Learn more about Purdue’s Voice and Tone on the Marcom website.