Badassery Magazine Issue 2 July | Page 21

But how do you bring that unique voice of you to the party ? Here are 4 expert tips :
WRITE TO A FRIEND
One of the best ways to write like you talk is to write a letter to you friends , or mum for that matter . Think about it , you wouldn ’ t talk to any of them using a big corporate voice , would you ?
Of course not !

Your audience wants to know that you understand them .

posts will be filled with personality . You will have to go back in and edit , as the technique is far from flawless .
ASK A FRIEND
If you ’ re not sure if your writing really sounds like you , ask a friend to proofread . Preferably one that is honest ( the more honest , the better ) and will really tell you what she thinks .
Sometimes , especially when it comes to writing in your own voice , it ’ s good to have an extra set of eyes . You want to be sure it absolutely sounds like you and sometimes you look at yourself differently than your friends and family do .
Just keep in mind that you have the last vote when it comes to what goes on and what stays out of your text . This is just to get a second opinion .

Next time you ’ re writing , start off with ‘ dear mum ’ or the name of your best friend ( or even better , the name of your ideal client ). Don ’ t worry , you won ’ t have to publish that , it ’ s just to help you get in the right mindset .
Next , write the entire post as if you ’ re talking directly to them . When you ’ re done , read it back and notice the difference . You ’ re writing flows freely now and it feels like you ’ re talking on paper . If that ’ s the case , you ’ re on the right track !
RECORD YOUR STUFF
If you have a microphone ( most laptops do ) and access to Google docs , start dictating your posts directly into your computer . This is a great , quick and easy way to get your voice down on paper . Especially if you struggle with finding your voice on paper . Just talk as you normally would and your
SHARE YOUR STORIES FROM THE HEART
We all have stories and experiences that are really specific to us . It ’ s our stories and experiences that make us unique . If you don ’ t share those elements in your text , it will make you sound robotic , plain , boring and , well , not human .
That ’ s not what you want . Trust me . 20