Use Punctuation to Create a Unique Tone of Voice
Ever clicked away from a blog post after 2 seconds?
You knew right away it wasn’t for you. But you might not be able to say why it wasn’t for you.
We go to great lengths to get people to read what we write. Whether it’s Instagram posts, blog articles, or the latest TPT algorithm obstacle course hack report.
We create graphics, we string together words, and we link to other helpful posts.
Yet the tone can get lost in the “Blog To Do” checklists. If you write it, it should come out with the right tone of voice. Wrong.
Has anyone ever told you, “It’s not what you said. It’s how you said it.” And boy, were you in trouble.
Use this article as a way to learn how to use punctuation to get your point tone across.
Consider End of the Sentence Punctuation to be on Steroids.
Pre-texting we could say, “Thanks for letting me know.” And it’d be great. Each word was interpreted as being helpful. Appreciative.
Now, it’s “Thanks for letting me know.” (Interpreted as “Idiot. I already knew that and had it under control. But noooo. You had to go and stick your nose where it doesn’t belong.”)
So instead we say, “Thanks so much for letting me know! :).” So it can't be interpreted any other way besides Elle Woods bubbly.
Periods
Use a period to show that a sentence is ending.
Or. You. Could. Make. A. Point.
Or show that you’re irritated. Duh.
Exclamations
But, what if you are about to release a new product and you’re sooooo excited?
“I can’t wait for you to see this new product I’m releasing tomorrow!”
This sentence has a selfish tone of voice. Consider a rewrite like, “If I’d had this product last year, my students would all have learned to read in under 2 weeks.” Much better.
If you see an exclamation point, it can be an indication of a weak sentence. So use them sparingly.
For truly exciting things.
Like
keep
reading
or
this
sentence
will
fall!
Most of the time when TPTers use an exclamation point, it’s showing their excitement. (Especially when they could make money.) It’s not their audiences’ excitement. Which is a problem.
Colons
Colons give an instant air of academia: nerds, research papers, and colonoscopies. None of which we want to deal with in an email. Or blog. (Actually not even when we turn 45…)
Make a Mad Dash for Em Dashes
What if you want to emphasize–EMPHASIZE–a point in your email? There’s lots of ways you could do it, but em dashes are super clear.
If you think your audience needs a flashing bold sign, use them.
Or maybe you want to mimick the voice of a student? Try using em dashes the way you’d get directly across from someone who isn’t getting it.
“Are–you–listening–to–a–single–word–I’m–saying?”
But they can also indicate surprise–Wait, what?!
Use them for emphasis, or pointed conversations, or surprise. Your style of em dashes will come to you after practice.
Use Parentheses for Passing Notes
Y'know how in school you’d say, “Yes, Mrs. Smith.” Then mutter, “(I said that the first time)?”
(Oh. right. Sorry. Now they say, “Yeah, Bruh.”)
That’s one fun way to use parentheses in your emails. It gives your audience the effect of you whispering to them. That intimate feeling is important in your writing.
You whisper to your best friend. Your spouse. Your sister.
It’s a great way to build trust. (Because you are showing a secret thought or perspective of yours that you don’t share with anyone else.)
See These Techniques in Action
If you like these ideas, you’ll love my emails. You can read them after you pass the punctuation quiz here. Just kidding. Click the link and you’ll start to enjoy marketing your business.
I break punctuation rules to make my points occasionally. And I’ve been told by grammar nerds that they are usually entertained and not offended by my shenanigans.
(And I’m also not offended when they correct my errors.)
Use these techniques and your own to make your own voice style that’s playful or stern or inspirational.