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Voice. The Writer’s Voice. What is Voice?. The “sound” of a person speaking to reader Writer has many voices The way the writer sees things/world view Point of view or vantage point/narrative filter First person—I Present, part of the action Can be solipsistic Second person—you
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Voice The Writer’s Voice
What is Voice? • The “sound” of a person speaking to reader • Writer has many voices • The way the writer sees things/world view • Point of view or vantage point/narrative filter • First person—I • Present, part of the action • Can be solipsistic • Second person—you • Actor in a drama or how-to (You’re at Wallmart. You look around, overwhelmed by the size of the store. You don’t know where to begin. . .) • Experimental voice can be quirky, may be off-putting • Third person—he or she • Objective
Natural Voice • Voice is affected by: • Family • Ethnic heritage • Region • Culture • Educational background
The Writer’s Voice • An effective voice is tuned to: • Message • Purpose • Story or topic • Reader
The Elements of Voice • Tone & Diction • Conveys attitude toward subject and audience • Style • Distinctive way writer uses language • Alter simplicity or formality of sentences • Structure • The internal logic or piece; relationship among parts • Linear, intuitive, parallel • Values • Political, social, religious, philosophical, etc. • Authority • Knowledge, self-confidence, control
Practice • Rewrite the opening few sentences or paragraph of your first essay: • 1) Write to a teen or child audience; • 2) Write as if it were a humor piece; • 3) Write in a sassy or controversial tone.