I was reading a forum post the other day, and I was struck by a phenomenon that I had noticed many times in the past, in forums and on blogs. As I read the poster's words, I could almost hear the writer's tone in the sentences. The tone, as I picked it up, seemed to be a whine.
The writer did not like the topic of discussion. That is natural and a person's choice. Not everyone agrees on everything. What was interesting was the word selection. Instead of discussing the facts, or even expressing an opinion, the wording created the sense of a whining individual. I could read the tone.
I have read posts that seemed to take on a condescending tone of superiority, and postings that seemed full of anger. Many posts read like a smile and even ring with laughter and joy. It's all in the tone. I am not the only person to have noticed this interesting aspect of forum and of blog writing. Your tone of voice appears in your written words.
For blog writers, the tone sound in posts is of utmost importance. If you are writing about your topic, and people can read anger or a whine, your opinion will carry much less weight. In fact, many readers will simply click to another blog or traditional website, rather than be subjected to an unpleasant tone of voice. When choosing your words, be assertive and factual. The resulting tone is one of a pleasant read, and is more informative. It may also sway a few readers to share your point of view.
For business bloggers, it's important to develop a personal blogging voice that is pleasant, friendly, and informative. A writer who hates the company, and everyone connected with the organization, may find that hostility echoed the resulting blog postings. Even if the blogger is a whistleblower, documenting alleged misdeeds or illegal activities, the tone must appear authoritative and factual. Anyone seen as a whiner or malcontent may finde the charges discredited by many readers.
It's all in the tone. Some writers read their posts aloud to discover nuances of tone and voice. It's something that you might try should you fear a tone problem in your writing.
After all of that discussion of tone of voice, I am expecting my readers to find a whine, scream, or general ranting voice in the post. I am hoping it reads more of tongue in cheek, and less as a chainsaw massacre.
In any case, consider your blog tone of voice, and your readership will respond in positive ways to your words.
