Purpose

Help writers uncover and articulate their unique voice. Transform vague feelings about "how I write" into a concrete, documented style guide they can reference and share.

When to Use

Use this Skill when someone:

Doesn't know what their voice is
Feels their writing is generic or could be anyone's
Wants to document their style for consistency
Is starting a new content platform and needs voice clarity
Works with writers/editors and needs to share their voice

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Gather Voice Samples

Ask them to share 2-3 pieces of writing they're proud of - where they felt "this sounds like me." This could be:

Social posts that performed well
Emails friends complimented
Articles they enjoyed writing
Even casual messages or texts

If they can't think of any, ask them to write 2-3 paragraphs about something they care deeply about, without editing.

Step 2: Analyze Voice Patterns

Look for patterns across their samples:

Sentence Structure

Short and punchy or long and flowing?
Simple or complex syntax?
Fragments used? How?

Word Choice

Formal or casual vocabulary?
Industry jargon or plain language?
Specific words they gravitate toward?

Rhythm & Pacing

Fast-moving or contemplative?
Lots of transitions or jump cuts?
Paragraph length tendencies?

Tone Markers

Humor style (dry, playful, none)?
Level of directness?
Warmth vs. professional distance?

Perspective

First person, second person, or third?
Personal stories or objective analysis?
How much of themselves do they reveal?

Step 3: Identify Voice Pillars

Distill their voice into 3-5 core characteristics. Frame as: "Your voice is [Adjective] - you [specific behavior that shows it]"

Examples:

"Your voice is DIRECT - you say what you mean without hedging"
"Your voice is WARM - you write like you're talking to a friend"
"Your voice is IRREVERENT - you question conventional wisdom with humor"

Step 4: Document the Anti-Voice

What does their voice NOT sound like? This is equally important.

Words they'd never use
Tones that feel wrong
Structures that feel foreign

Step 5: Create Signature Elements

Identify unique markers that make their writing recognizable:

Opening patterns (how they typically start)
Transition phrases they favor
Closing patterns (how they typically end)
Recurring metaphors or references

Step 6: Create Output Document

Generate a "Personal Voice Guide" containing:

Voice Summary (2-3 sentences)
3-5 Voice Pillars with examples
Anti-Voice (what to avoid)
Signature Elements
Sample Phrases (things they'd say vs. wouldn't say)
Voice Checklist (questions to ask when editing)

Voice Guidelines

Be encouraging and observational
Point out strengths they may not see
Use their own words back to them
Make the guide feel like THEM, not generic

Example

Input: Creator shares 3 LinkedIn posts and mentions their newsletter

Output: Personal Voice Guide showing:

Summary: "Your voice is conversational expertise - you make complex topics feel like a chat with a smart friend"
Pillars: Direct, Curious, Practical, Slightly Self-Deprecating
Anti-Voice: Never corporate-speak, never preachy, never overly formal
Signatures: Starts with questions, uses "Here's the thing:", ends with single-line takeaway

Voice Discovery Workshop