When I create a Voice Guide, I use my V.O.I.C.E. Framework (it's my spin on the Codex Persona system created by Abbey Woodcock and Justin Blackman.)
Today I'm going to quickly break down the "V": it's for Vendetta. No! Just kidding. The "V" in my framework is for VIEWPOINT.
Consider this:
Do you have a point of view when you communicate to your audience? If you're not sure, that's ok. Let's figure it out!
First, think about the words you use to position yourself and your offer.
Do you like to make your point as simply as possible? Something like: “This is how to [get result].”
Or maybe you take on more of a parental role: “This is how I learned to [get result], and how you can avoid my mistakes.”
See the difference? Here’s more:
Perhaps you prefer to speak with gravitas… “This is the exact process you can implement immediately to master [result] and become a trusted and valuable resource to upper echelon (and more profitable) clients.”
Or your MO could be to buddy up to them and say, “Want to see how I [get result] for my clients? Let me show you this cool thing I do that can help you [get result], too.”
Subtle differences that make a huge impact on the world you’re creating for your customers.
These are four examples out of the 9 basic “voice types” I look for when I create a Codex Persona Voice Guide for clients.
The problem is, as writers, we tend to make these choices subconsciously.
You probably have no idea when, why, or how you make the choices you do when writing content (much less how to explain them to someone else). You just write and voila! It sounds like you.
Which makes it hard to train other writers, or to pinpoint what feels flat, wrong, or out of place when they try to capture your voice.
What I do is help you pinpoint those things. I help you SEE the hidden patterns embedded in your writing. To make the unconscious conscious…
And then I document all of it & package it up into a user-friendly voice guide. It's training manual-slash-reference guide your team will use again and again to create written content.
Now, not everyone needs an asset like this. You may not hire writers or manage a team of freelancers. Does that mean you don't need to understand your Brand Voice?
Survey says....that's up to you! Personally, the more I truly know myself, the better. And I think understanding the why & how behind the what strengthens my voice.
(See how I used the “&” above? And the parentheses I’m using now? And the amount of question marks throughout this email? And starting my sentences with “and”? Those are all ingredients that make up Voice, too… and something I’ll cover in more detail in the future.)
Till then, think about your viewpoint when you communicate with your audience. How would you describe it? Hit me back & let me know!
– Jill “friend a the bar” Jensen
P.S. “Viewpoint” is the first element in my V.O.I.C.E. Framework:
Viewpoint – Define your brand’s overall perspective, how you see the world, and how you relate to your customers.
Organization – Clear and practical SOPs, style guides, and internal conventions so your content can be created, stored, and published efficiently.
Instructions – A writer’s best friend: it’s a user manual & training tool so they “get” how to write and execute exactly as expected.
Consistency – Ensure every piece of content aligns with your brand’s tone, style, and personality, no matter who writes it.
Evergreen – A living document that evolves with the brand and can be used by any writer you hire.
I’ll be covering the other elements soon!
Whenever you’re ready, here are some ways I can help:
I offer Voice Finder Sessions for personality-driven entrepreneurs who want to define their Voice (and put some boundaries in place.)
I also create Brand V.O.I.C.E. Guides for you & your team – an evergreen asset to help writers “get” your voice, without endless re-writes and revisions.
I also work with a select number of clients each quarter as a ghostwriter.
If you're interested in learning more, reply to this email or complete this form: Work With Jill
P.S. Love learning about Brand Voice? Share this email with a friend who'd love it, too! They can use this link to join my list: https://jilljensen.berserkermail.com/brandvoice