We talk about finding “voice” as you write your college essays. But what is your voice, exactly?
It is the sound of you.
William Zinsser is one of the greatest writing gurus of all time and his book, On Writing Well is a classic. His chapter, “The Sound of Your Voice” is a good read. He writes, “My commodity as a writer, whatever I am writing about, is me, and your commodity is you. Don’t alter your voice to fit your subject. Develop one voice that readers will recognize when they hear it on the page…”
Think of writers you have read…EB White, Mark Twain, JD Salinger, JK Rowling, John Green, Harper Lee. They each have their very own voice.
Your writing voice is like vour speaking voice. It is clearly you. At its best, it is simple and does not try to impress. It does not need a thesaurus or the use of big words that are not in your everyday vocabulary…or too many words. Less truly is more. Cut . . . cut. . . cut. . . where you can. Good writing says what you mean, as simply as possible.
Your voice is authentic, deeply personal. It tells your truth. It can be funny. Or sad. Or angry. It can be pessimistic or optimistic or both. It defines and explains you. It can evolve and change as you do, but no matter what, it is yours and yours alone.
Your voice allows you to describe the world as you see it, explain why you love or hate someone or thing, Voice is point of view, and if you have no point of view you have no voice.
Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird is another wonderful book on writing. She agrees that telling the truth in your own voice is at the root of the best writing. She says,” …the truth of your own experience can only come through in your own voice. If it is wrapped in someone else’s voice readers will feel suspicious, as if you are dressed up in someone else’s clothes.”
And lastly, but of no less importance, know your audience. Readers, including readers of college applications, are often savvy and smart. They will likely know if you are ‘dressed up in someone else’s clothes’. What resonates best is what is real and true about you. It may take a little time and work to find your voice – you can hone it by reading and writing…a lot — but no need to worry – it is there.
It is the sound of you.
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