When you sit down to write a blog post, imagine you’re chatting with your closest friends. What kind of relationship do you want to build with your readers? Do you prefer a stiff, formal dynamic where they feel intimidated by your expertise? Or would you rather foster intimacy, laughter, delight, and genuine affinity? Writing as though you’re speaking to your best friend can make your content more relatable and engaging.
Embracing Authenticity in Your Writing
Authenticity is key to building trust with your audience. Don’t be afraid to:
- Use Colloquial Language: It’s okay to swear occasionally or use informal expressions if it aligns with your brand voice. This can make your writing feel more genuine and less sanitized.
- Be Vulnerable: Share your personal struggles, longings, and aspirations. This vulnerability can create a deeper connection with your readers.
- Limit Adjectives: To maintain clarity and impact, try to use only one adjective per sentence. This restraint can make your writing more powerful.
- Avoid Redundancy: Express your ideas clearly and concisely without repeating the same point in different words.
- Align with Purpose: Ensure every piece of content serves your overarching mission or theory of change. This focus will keep your writing purposeful and impactful.
Read every sentence and ask yourself : is this sanitized? How can I make this tastable, touchable? Be sparing though: Temper your urge to gush by limiting yourself to one adjective per sentence. Notice tendencies to repeat the same idea using different words. Figure out what you mean, and say that, well, once. Speak up , but don’t fall too in love with your own voice. Sometimes you have to kill your darlings, snip your most treasured thoughts, because: if they don’t serve meaning and purpose, they are indulgent. Save the seriously flowery stuff for your music, your poetry, the ear of your beloved.
Exercise: Crafting Your Authentic “About Me” Blog Post
To put these principles into practice, try the following exercise:
Objective: Write an “About Me” blog post that authentically represents who you are, without making any claims, and includes at least three real-life anecdotes.
Steps:
- Reflect on Your Experiences: Think about significant moments in your life that have shaped who you are. These could be personal challenges, achievements, or everyday occurrences that hold meaning for you.
- Choose Three Anecdotes: Select three stories that highlight different aspects of your personality, values, or journey. Ensure these anecdotes are relatable and provide insight into your character.
- Write with Authenticity: Narrate your stories as if you’re sharing them with a close friend. Be honest, use your natural voice, and don’t shy away from showing vulnerability.
- Avoid Making Claims: Focus on sharing experiences rather than stating accomplishments or qualifications. Let your stories speak for themselves and allow readers to draw their own conclusions about you.
- Edit for Clarity and Engagement: After writing, review your post to ensure it flows well and is free of unnecessary jargon or redundancy. Aim for a word count between 500-1500 words.
By completing this exercise, you’ll create a compelling “About Me” page that resonates with readers and fosters a genuine connection, setting the tone for future interactions.
Yes you can swear …but you can also be vulnerable and weird …and you can confess some things that are unsavoury …and you can talk about your longings, your own personal darknesses, and your nascent aspirations, too.