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The Most Valuable Asset a Writer Can Own? (You Already Have it)
In a world of AI garbage, writers must be human
In 2024, more than ever, you must sound like YOU. If your writing doesn’t stand out as uniquely you, its value will trend to zero.
The more generic and ChatGPT text sounds, the more anyone (or any program) can write it.
To build the value of your words, you must first build your voice. And don’t worry, you can do this in English even if it’s not your first language. You can still sound like YOU.
What is writing voice?
Well, there’s no one agreed-upon definition. For me, it’s different to ‘writing style’. The elements of style are functional (e.g. sentence length and structure), whereas ‘voice’ encompasses the decisions you make in order to express ideas in a unique way.
- Pronoun use and register (formality)
- Word/phrase choice
- Habits of punctuation/formatting
- The ‘angle’ or ‘frame’ for the piece
- Rhetorical/persuasive techniques
- Cultural references and background
Why is voice important?
Style helps you deliver appropriate text that fits the brief.
Voice allows you to build readership and authority. It attracts readers to return for your next post, story, or article. Plus, it marks you as an author with a valuable opinion or skill set.
Against the backdrop of budget cuts and companies ‘investing’ in machine-generated content instead of personnel, voice is the last line of defense for writers. If you can successfully develop your voice, it allows you to remain relevant in a world of generic content. It allows you to keep earning. Oh, and it’s THE biggest factor in attracting new clients or getting hired.
