text talks

"It's not what you said, it's how you said it!"

You have a bad feeling about someone you don't know well. You've had a few conversations in passing but never really connected. You dread seeing that person as you're just not "feeling" them. They have always been cordial and interesting to speak to, but there's just something you can't put your finger on. Later, you're given an opportunity to properly converse with that person, and it turns out they're not as intimidating/weird/cold/brazen as you first thought.

Does this sound familiar? I've been there, many times.

Ultimately, we are drawn to those we can identify with. When we struggle to make a connection with another person, it means we haven't yet figured out who they are: Are they trustworthy? Are they "like" us?  Whether you warrant it or not, people are wary of you. You need to earn their trust with the way you express yourself as well as with the quality of your service.

What you have to say is important, but so is how you say it. I'm talking about voice.

Consistency in the way you communicate through writing can allow people to recognize your voice in the same way you recognize a friend’s voice when they call on the phone. Brand recognition is needed to build a loyal following on social media. You know who you are, what you do, and why it matters to people. Aim to communicate in a way that stays true to your brand while also resonating with your audience.

Voice is often the missing piece of the magic.

The problem is that most people are not accustomed to thinking about writing tone and have spent little time practicing it. Knowing not only what to say but how to say it can feel daunting. If you feel this way, journaling can be very beneficial to practice writing in the first person and draw out the quirks of your inner writer.