Bonus: Need help finding your writing voice? Click here for free tips.
You can add new paragraphs, punctuation marks, smileys and other special characters using simple voice commands. For instance, say 'New line' to move the cursor to the next list or say 'Smiling Face' to insert:-) smiley. See list of supported voice commands. Dictation uses Google Speech Recognition to transcribe your spoken words into text. 1,381 Voice Writer jobs available on Indeed.com. Apply to Writer, Freelance Writer, Content Writer and more! Dictation lets you use speech-to-text to author content in Office with a microphone and reliable internet connection. It's a quick and easy way to get your thoughts out, create drafts or outlines, and capture notes. Abbyy finereader online.
I write only because / There is a voice within me / That will not be still.
–Sylvia Plath
Awhile ago, I wrote an article called, 'Finding Your Blog's Unique Voice.' In it, I explain that a blog needs a voice that is both exclusive and authentic. Permute 3 1 9 esv.
But here, I want to share a little bit more about how to find your overall writing voice. Which is, I believe, the single greatest struggle for most writers. And it's also the key to unlocking your creative potential.
Spending some time deliberating over voice is worth your attention and focus. Whether you blog for fun, write novels, craft poems, pencil melodies, or inspire people with your prose, it's essential that you find your unique writing style.
If you struggle with getting people to read your writing or with staying consistent in your craft, you need to stop chasing numbers and productivity and reboot. It's time to start finding and developing that voice of yours.
An exercise for finding your voice
Not sure where to start? No problem. Most of us need help understanding our voice. Here's a short exercise that can help you — just follow these 10 steps:
- Describe yourself in three adjectives. Example: snarky, fun, and flirty.
- Ask (and answer) the question: 'Is this how I talk?'
- Imagine your ideal reader. Describe him in detail. Then, write to him, and only him. Example: My ideal reader is smart. He has a sense of humor, a short attention span, and is pretty savvy when it comes to technology and pop culture. He's sarcastic and fun, but doesn't like to waste time. And he loves pizza.
- Jot down at least five books, articles, or blogs you like to read. Spend some time examining them. How are they alike? How are they different? What about how they're written intrigues you? Often what we admire is what we aspire to be. Example: Copyblogger, Chris Brogan, Seth Godin, Ernest Hemingway, and C.S. Lewis. I like these writers, because their writing is intelligent, pithy, and poignant.
- List your favorite artistic and cultural influences. Are you using these as references in your writing, or avoiding them, because you don't think people would understand them. Example: I use some of my favorite bands' music in my writing to teach deeper lessons.
- Ask other people: 'What's my voice? What do I sound like?' Take notes of the answers you get.
- Free-write. Just go nuts. Write in a way that's most comfortable to you, without editing. Then go back and read it, asking yourself, 'Do I publish stuff that sounds like this?'
- Read something you've recently written, and honestly ask yourself, 'Is this something I would read?' If not, you must change your voice.
- Ask yourself: 'Do I enjoy what I'm writing as I'm writing it?' If it feels like work, you may not be writing like yourself. (Caveat: Not every writer loves the act of writing, but it's at least worth asking.)
- Pay attention to how you're feeling. How do you feel before publishing? Afraid? Nervous? Worried? Good. You're on the right track. If you're completely calm, then you probably aren't being vulnerable. Try writing something dangerous, something a little more you. Fear can be good. It motivates you to make your writing matter.
Why do you need a writing voice?
Finding your voice is the key to getting dedicated followers and fans and that it's the only sustainable way to write. If you're not being yourself, you'll eventually burn out. Hands off 4 1 0.
Once you've found your voice, make sure you continue to develop it. It's a discipline, one that can't be overlooked if you're going to have the impact you desire and that your words deserve.
The bottom line is that there's a lot of noise out there in the world. If you're going to get heard, you can't just raise your voice. You've got to set yourself apart, showing you have something special to say, and that you have a unique way of saying it.
Voice Writer Mask
Recommended reading: For more on this topic of finding your voice as a writer, you should read Bird by Bird (affiliate link), an excellent book on the writing life by Anne Lamott.
What does your writing voice sound like? Have you found it, or are you still searching? Share in the comments.
Bonus: Need help finding your writing voice? Click here for free tips.
International Realtime Court Reporting Institute
Learn How To Become a
Court Reporter Online
Why Enroll at the International Realtime Court Reporting Institute?
As the best voice writing, court reporting school on the Internet, the International Realtime Court Reporting Institute can help you change your life and make more money.
Our digital, on-demand learning platform will teach you everything there is about court reporting and voice writing on your terms—no need to change your schedule or drive to a classroom.
Who does the International Realtime Court Reporting institute Help?
The International Court Reporting Institute helps anyone who wants to become a court reporter, or broaden their skills as a court reporter.
Whether you're a stenographer trying to elevate and secure your career for the future, or someone looking for a new, higher-paying job, the International Realtime Court Reporting Institute is here to help.
What Makes International Realtime Court Reporting Institute the Best Place to Learn?
Without question, it's our instructors, Sarah Flynn and Colette Wayda.
Sarah Flynn, CCR, CVR-M, RVR, CLT
Founder and lead instructor – NVRA Vice President
Sarah has been a certified court reporter since 1994 and has been working in the state of Arkansas since that time.
Colette Wayda, CCR
Co-Instructor/Certified Eclipse Trainer
Colette Wayda has been teaching transcriptionists in 1995 and has been teaching voice writing court reporters since 2001.
Maranda Sullivan, RCP, CVR, Past NVRA President
Student Coordinator and CART Program Coordinator
Voice Writer Certification
Maranda 'Mandy' Sullivan has been providing realtime CART services for over 11 years and assists our students with CART questions as well as assist students in moving along in course studies.
Read the Latest from Our Blog
Live court reporting, and voice writing specifically, is making a comeback because the accuracy rates are so high and the process is so efficient. Good voice writers can produce speeds of up to 350 words per minute.
