Strong Authorial Voice

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An author has a strong voice (in writing) if he or she presents the information with conviction and authority. Using expressions such as "in my opinion" or "it is my belief that" weakens the author's voice. This lesson gives writers simple hints on writing with authority and conviction.

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Worksheet 1, Establishing a Strong Authorial Voice, 8 Exercises
Worksheet 2, Establishing a Strong Authorial Voice, 15 Exercises

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The Problem

Writers sometimes use expressions that take away from their authority, expressions that weaken their prose and serve only as fillers. Such an expression is "in my opinion." Take, for example, the sentence "In my opinion, there should be an 11:00 PM curfew for teenagers." The introductory phrase serves only to cast doubt and timidity on the writer. Rather than advance the writer's position, it weakens it by calling attention to the idea that it's "only my opinion." Do not use the phrase "in my opinion," or other such expressions, in your own writing.

Expressions that Take Away Power

If you are writing an essay or report about uniforms in public schools, readers know that you are the author, no one else. The phrase "In my opinion" takes away from the strength of your writing. It fills space without adding any content and, in fact, diminishes your credibility as a writer. Such expressions include the following:

  • In my opinion
  • It is my belief
  • I believe
  • I think
  • I feel
  • My belief
  • My thoughts on
  • It seems to me
  • It is my understanding
  • We believe
Avoid these openers. They make your writing seem full of fluff, lacking in substance. These expressions communicate a certain lack of confidence that is detrimental if you are trying to convince someone of something. When you give your thoughts, beliefs, feelings, or opinions about a subject, you generally do not have to specify that those thoughts, beliefs, feelings, or opinions are yours.

Solution

Simply edit these expressions out of your writing. For example, there is little difference in content between the sentence, "In my opinion, public school students should wear uniforms" and "Public school students should wear uniforms." Stylistically, however, the second sentence is better. The first sentence is longer and less assertive than the second. In the second sentence, the writer states an assertion with confidence and conviction.

Attribution

Sometimes you present an idea that belongs to someone else. In this case, you use the proper verb of attribution to give credit to the person whose idea you are presenting. For example, "James Sheldon contends that students in public schools should wear uniforms." In this sentence, the opinion belongs to James Sheldon, so it is correct to give Mr. Sheldon credit.

Write with confidence, style, and authority. Do not use expressions like "in my opinion."

Links for Writing in a Strong Authorial Voice

Finding web resources on this topic has proven a bit more difficult than I thought, primarily because most of the sites I consulted offer advice that is the opposite of what I offer on this page and in the worksheet.

Most sites encourage students to use expressions like "in my opinion" and "it is my belief that." If you come across a site that readers of this page and users of the worksheet may find useful, please let me know. I'll review it.

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