How to Find and Write in Your Own Voice
One of the hardest parts of writing isn’t grammar or structure – it’s sounding like you. Whether you’re writing blogs, essays, or thought leadership pieces, your authentic voice is what makes your writing engaging and memorable. But how do you actually find that voice and put it on the page?
Here are a few concrete methods to help you write more naturally in your own voice.
1. Record Yourself Talking
If writing feels stiff, grab your phone or open a voice recorder. Talk through your ideas as if you were explaining them to a friend. Don’t worry about sounding polished—just get the thoughts out.
Example: Instead of forcing yourself to type, say:
"Okay, if I were explaining this to a client, I’d say the big mistake people make is trying to do everything at once. What actually works is starting small and building momentum."
Then, transcribe that recording. You’ll immediately see natural turns of phrase, rhythm, and tone that you can shape into a blog post.
2. Write How You Speak (Then Edit Later)
A lot of people try to sound “professional” and end up sounding robotic. The trick is to write the way you’d explain something out loud, then polish it for clarity.
Example:
Stiff: “Organizations should leverage multi-channel strategies to optimize audience engagement.”
Natural: “If you want to connect with people, you can’t just rely on one channel. Meet your audience where they are.”
The second version is clearer, friendlier, and more authentic.
3. Pay Attention to Your Verbal Quirks
Do you say “honestly” a lot? Do you love analogies? Do you use humor? These quirks are part of your voice. Lean into them instead of editing them out.
Example: If you naturally explain things with analogies, try writing:
"Writing without editing is like cooking without tasting – you’ll end up serving something bland."
That little flourish is what makes your writing memorable.
4. Read Your Work Out Loud
This is the fastest way to catch anything that feels unnatural. If you stumble when reading a sentence, your reader probably will too. Adjust until it sounds smooth in your own voice.
5. Practice Through Repetition
Voice isn’t found overnight. The more you write – and the more you compare your drafts to how you actually speak – the stronger and more consistent your voice will become.
Your writing voice is already inside you – it’s how you think, speak, and connect with people every day. By recording yourself, writing like you talk, and embracing your quirks, you’ll find that voice and make your writing more engaging, authentic, and uniquely yours.
