Mastering First Person Point of View
Tips for Adding a Personal Touch to Your Writing
I’ll never forget the day I learned to ride a bike. It was a warm summer day, and my parents had finally agreed to buy me my very own bike. I was so excited that I could hardly contain myself as we drove to the store.
When we arrived, I ran to the bike section and picked out the perfect one — a shiny blue one with rainbow streamers hanging from the handlebars. My parents paid for it, and we headed home to assemble it.
I couldn’t wait to take it for a spin. My dad helped me climb on the bike and gave me a push. I wobbled and tried to pedal, but I couldn’t seem to get the hang of it. I fell off a few times and scraped my knees, but I didn’t give up.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, I got the hang of it. I could pedal without falling and even picked up speed. I rode around the block a few times, grinning from ear to ear.
That day was a turning point for me. I felt a sense of accomplishment and independence that I had never felt before. From then on, I rode my bike everywhere — to school, to the park, to my friends’ houses. It became my favorite mode of transportation. I still have fond memories of that day when I learned to ride a bike.
Writing in the first person (using “I”) allows you to create a more engaging and relatable experience for the reader.
In the story above, I used first person to share a personal experience and convey the emotions and feelings that I had. By using descriptive language and specific details, I could paint a vivid picture of the scene and bring the story to life.
The first person's point of view is a powerful tool for writing. Here are some tips for using first person in your writing:
Use first person to add a personal touch
One of the major benefits of using first person is that it allows you to add a personal touch to your writing. By using “I” and “my,” you can draw the reader into the story and make it feel like they are right there with you. This can be especially useful for personal essays, memoirs, and other types of writing where you want to convey your own thoughts and experiences.
Use descriptive language and specific details
To make your writing more engaging and vivid, be sure to use descriptive language and specific details. This will help bring the story to life and make it more interesting for the reader. For example, instead of saying “I went to the beach,” you could say “I walked along the sandy shoreline, feeling the warm sun on my skin and the saltwater mist on my face.” This added detail creates a more immersive experience for the reader.
Use first person to convey emotions and feelings
First person point of view is also a great way to convey emotions and feelings. By using “I” and “my,” you can show the reader how you feel about a particular situation or event. For example, you could say, “Joy overwhelmed me when I saw the finish line” to convey the excitement and sense of accomplishment that you felt.
Use first person sparingly
While the first person can be a powerful tool for improving your writing skills, it’s important to use it sparingly. If you overuse it, your writing may come across as self-centered or overly personal. It’s a good idea to mix up your point of view and use the first person alongside other perspectives, such as the third person or second person.
In conclusion, first person point of view is a great way to add a personal touch to your writing and make it more engaging and relatable to the reader. By using descriptive language and specific details, conveying emotions and feelings, and using first person sparingly, you can improve your writing skills and create a more immersive and enjoyable experience for your readers. So, the next time you write, try using first person to bring yourself and your readers into the action.
Divya Parekh helps entrepreneurs and business leaders develop a confident narrative about their experiences and expertise to drive impact in people’s lives.
