Finding your Tone of Voice in Writing: The Bboy/Bgirl Way
I wrote an interview article once for a client.
I made it a simple Q&A format.
During our call, the client tore into me, claiming that anyone could copy and paste the interviewee’s answers onto a document. She even went as far as to insinuate that English wasn’t my first language, which was a huge insult since it’s the only language I speak fluently. Not to mention, I did a lot of volunteer work for this client for several months, only to get insulted like this in the end.
Sigh.
Despite feeling hurt and disrespected, her criticism did end up having a silver lining. She gave me some advice that changed my writing style and dance style for the rest of my life.
How to Find Your Tone of Voice in Writing
One key element of effective writing is finding your tone of voice. Your tone of voice reflects your personality and style, and it’s what sets your writing apart from others.
Here are some tips to help you find your tone of voice in writing:
- Know Your Audience: The first step in finding your tone of voice is to understand your audience. Who are you writing for? What are their interests, needs, and preferences? By understanding your audience, you can tailor your writing style to match their expectations.
- Define Your Purpose: Before you start writing, define the purpose of your content. What message do you want to convey? What emotions do you want to evoke? Your tone should reflect the purpose of your writing.
- Read Widely: Reading is a great way to discover new writing styles and voices. Pay attention to how different writers use language, pacing, and structure to create a unique voice. By exposing yourself to different writing styles, you can develop your own style that feels authentic to you.
- Write Like You Speak: One way to develop a natural, conversational tone is to write as if you’re having a conversation with a friend. This can help you create a tone that feels authentic and engaging.
- Experiment: Finding your tone of voice is a continual process. Try different styles and tones until you find one that feels right for you. Don’t be afraid to take risks and try something new.
In conclusion, finding your tone of voice in writing takes time and practice, but it’s an essential element of effective communication. By understanding your audience, defining your purpose, reading widely, writing like you speak, and experimenting, you can develop a unique voice that sets your writing apart.
The client, who was also a former professional journalist, emphasized that finding your unique tone of voice sets you apart from other writers. As an example, she shared that she used dark humor in her writing, which helped her stand out from the rest.
So you might be wondering, “Alright, that sounds good, but how do I actually find my Tone of Voice with that Bboy/Bgirl twist?”
Finding your Tone of Voice the Bboy/Bgirl Way
In the Bboy/Bgirl culture, OGs and pioneers of the art form consistently remind us practitioners of the importance of originality in developing your personal style.
However, the question remains: how do we actually find our own unique “originality”?
“You can imitate but you can never duplicate” — Bboy Ivan (Style Elements)
I think Bboy Ivan said it best. He emphasized how being free from within is what will set you apart from the rest. Dancing in the moment, while also knowing what you bring to the table, is what sets you apart.
In March 2023, I had the opportunity to attend Poe One’s workshop in Hong Kong, and I asked him for his thoughts on “biting” versus getting inspiration. He responded with something along the lines of, “If someone were to ask you where you got your moves, and you claimed to have thought of them all on your own, then you’re a biter.”
The truth is, we all draw inspiration from someone or something when developing our style. There’s nothing wrong with taking inspiration, but it’s how we incorporate our own ideas and make them our own that truly makes them original.
However, it’s essential to also recognize that the Bboy/Bgirl culture isn’t the only element of Hip Hop that emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself. Other elements, such as MCing, DJing, and graffiti, also prioritize self-expression and authenticity.
In a recent interview with Loud and Quiet, Florida-based rapper, Denzel Curry opens up about his sources of inspiration and the importance of being true to oneself in his latest album, “Melt My Eyez See Your Future.”
Curry has always been known for his unique approach to music, blending different genres and styles to create his distinct sound. In this new album, he dives even deeper into self-expression and authenticity. He shares that the main inspiration behind the album came from an introspective journey, during which he explored his own thoughts and emotions. This process allowed him to stay true to himself and create a body of work that accurately reflects his soul.
In the interview, Curry emphasizes the importance of self-discovery and being genuine in one’s art. He states,
“I had to find out who I was and what I wanted to be, and then I had to be that person.”
This approach led to a creative breakthrough and the birth of his most personal and introspective album to date.
Overall, Denzel Curry’s dedication to self-discovery and authenticity has led to the creation of a groundbreaking album that highlights his unique musical style. “Melt My Eyez See Your Future” is a testament to the power of introspection and staying true to oneself in the world of music and beyond.
In summary, basically to find your tone of voice is to understand who you are, really.
Finding Your Tone of Voice
I believe that finding your tone of voice in writing the Bboy/Bgirl way requires introspection and self-awareness. It’s not even about mastering the craft of writing, breaking, or art; it’s about understanding your own identity.
It’s time to dig deep and ask ourselves the tough questions.
By embarking on this journey of self-discovery, we can unlock our true, authentic tone of voice, not just in our artistic pursuits but hopefully in all areas of our lives.
Have you ever been on a self-discovery journey before? How did it go? Would love to hear your stories in the comments below!
Peace!
Contact Me
- LinkedIn: Erryl Ho
- Instagram: @dirteeeee
- Email: sendtoerrylho@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.errylclassicz.com/
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@dirteclassicz
