“The tone is set by the words and viewpoint”
Nivedita Nagpal,
Professional Text Mistress
I am sure there are other professional writers like me who try to understand the tone of writing for clients. Once the ‘tone’ is set, it is easier to focus on the actual content.
Just to give you a rough example how the tone works for writers:
Much before a film goes under production, the director sets the tone. He sets up the lighting, scene, shot delivery and sound. That is why lights, camera and action are integral to filmmaking.
Something similar happens when it comes to photography. Here I am talking about professionals working (selfie- takers per minute, please excuse). They set the ‘tone’ by choosing the background, model’s clothes, props or correct color scheme for shooting products.
Are you not curious to know how an author sets up the tone and quality to write?
A writer has different props to set the tone to engage, communicate and help a client to leverage the reason why he has hired you. There is no light and shadow or drama but simple wordplay that a professional text writer will use to create an impact.
The tone is set by:
- A sentence structure in the right way with appropriate keywords.
- Building up with a catchy introduction to compel readers to browse.
- Creating suspense with subheads and writing useful information.
- Using the right ‘tone’ as there is no one size that fits all.
A mood is created. Just like the setting of a period romance or a sci-fi, the tone is set by the brand which needs to be endorsed. It can be emotional, direct, research-based or simply humorous.
Which tone to use and when to communicate?
Why are you writing, for whom and its purpose? The tone will depend on these fundamental questions.
Clear tone, clarity and courtesy is important when writing about services and brands. Being expressive and literary is of no use. A wrong tone stops readers and they move on. Don’t be boring, create excitement keeping in mind the brand or a blog to be written.
Use emotions to attract the reader, by all means. Avoid being predictable. A surprise or a twist to the regular topic creates interest.
Be consistent in the quality being delivered for regular blogs. Often writers collaborate and one style does not match the other. If the style and tone suddenly changes, readers can detect it. Speaking in ONE VOICE is important. It is the key to continuous loyalty from readers and clients. This is one reason why clients return to the same writers.
What a writer gains by using the right tone?
- The reader relates to the content easily and is directly influenced to take action.
- Readers can take action after browsing as they are well-informed.
- A positive and optimistic tone encourages anyone to reader amid the clutter.
- A friendly tone shows the writer is clear, transparent and natural while communicating.
- A serious tone means the person is objective and has no biased feelings. This is also called a formal tone.
- A joyful casual tone means, content is light hearted and it may not be taken seriously. A dash of humor adds to the lightness.
- A casual tone cannot be used in blogs where information is being given to spread awareness. It takes away credibility of the issue. Most conversational tones come in this category.
- Sad, humorous, informal tones reflect on different aspects of writing and communications with the audience.
- Personal tone works best for letters and appeals. Unless your blogs are always targeted towards applications, requests and donation they cannot be personal.
Hope this post helps clients to understand how we take them seriously. I look forward to helping your business objectives mocw forward with my experience and knoweldge.