Navigating Writing Voices

When you read about writing and “voice,” it can mean many different things: most commonly, it’s discussed in the context of fiction writing. However, broadly defined, “voice” simply refers to the sound of the writing. How would you write a text to a friend compared to an email to a colleague? You likely use a different “voice” for each one.

Scholars strive for an impersonal voice that focuses on conveying thoughts and ideas. Professional writing strives to be accessible for a wide audience. Both types of writing avoid personal reference (e.g., “I think” or “I read”). Colloquial phrases (“I’ve got time today” or “That was woke”) are avoided. For both scholarly and professional writing, you must write in a different way from how you talk. Given that, answer one of the following questions:

APA.

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What is it like for you to develop a scholarly and professional writing voice?,
What’s one thing you want your colleagues’ advice on?,
What’s one piece of advice about this specialized writing that you would offer a colleague

Navigating Writing Voices

Developing a Scholarly and Professional Writing Voice

Developing a scholarly and professional writing voice can be both rewarding and challenging. It involves finding a balance between clarity, formality, and engagement with the subject matter. A scholarly voice requires precision in language and adherence to academic conventions, which can sometimes feel restrictive. However, it also allows for the expression of complex ideas and critical thinking. Over time, this voice becomes more natural as one gains confidence in articulating thoughts and arguments.

Seeking Colleagues’ Advice

One area where I would appreciate my colleagues’ advice is on strategies for effectively integrating diverse sources into my writing. Balancing different perspectives while maintaining a coherent narrative can be difficult, and I would love to hear how others approach this process.