We’ve covered personal brand colors and overall brand identity, now it’s time to address our voice.
To help us keep our communications consistent, we need to articulate how we write and speak. Since we have had a speaking and writing style all our lives, we don’t want to change that. We may want to emphasize a certain dimension. Yet, we don’t want to become someone we aren’t.
We want our authentic, unique selves to come through. To help us stay true to who we are, we can create a Tone of Voice Statement. A statement that outlines how we communicate, in writing, speaking, or interacting online. This reflects our personality, values, and how we want to engage with others.
It can range from formal to casual. Authoritative to friendly.
Depending on how we want to be perceived.
Crafting a Tone of Voice Statement
There are four key elements to create a tone of voice statement.
- Personality: Friendly, authoritative, inspiring, conversational, formal, etc.
- Language Choice: Simple or complex? Professional or casual? What type of vocabulary?
- Communication Style: Direct or nuanced? Warm or factual? Concise or detailed?
- Consistency: Across written, verbal, & online communication, is your voice the same?
You can look at word pairs to start to understand the language that fits your approach.
From there, you can craft a Tone of Voice statement that speaks to the four dimensions above.
Crafting Your Tone of Voice Statement
You can create a paragraph by creating the following 4-5 sentences:
My tone of voice is [1. personality description].
I use [2. language choice] to [the purpose of your language choice].
My communication style is [3. communication style].
[Additional sentence description – if needed].
[4. Consistency statement]
Below are 2examples of Tone of Voice Statements to get your creative juices flowing.
Example 1 – Bold and Playful: My tone of voice is bold, dynamic, and playful. I use humor and vivid language to engage my audience and stand out in conversations. My communication is often energetic and direct, filled with exciting, punchy phrases that spark interest. I enjoy experimenting with casual language and modern slang to keep things relatable and fresh. When I write, I aim to inspire action and creativity, challenging others to think outside the box and have fun while doing it.
Example 2 – Calm and Reassuring: My tone of voice is calm, thoughtful, and reassuring. I use measured language to convey a sense of stability and support, especially in challenging situations. My communication style is detailed yet gentle, providing clarity without overwhelming the listener. I aim to inspire confidence through a composed and trustworthy voice, focusing on providing well-considered advice and encouragement. Whether in emails, social media posts, or in conversation, I maintain a tone that is patient and centered.
Your Turn
What do you think about creating a tone of voice statement for your personal brand?
How would you describe your tone of voice today
Do you see how this statement could guide your decisions?