Many people find voice and tone to by synonymous. It is easy to understand why people might feel this way, yet the meanings are decidedly different, and the distinction between the two is important to recognize.

Writing – Understanding The Difference Between Voice and Tone

Sign up for Free Newsletters http://www.theperfectwrite.com/home/ from The Perfect Write(TM) and receive timely, original free articles http://www.theperfectwrite.com/category/articles/ with TIPS ON HOW TO WRITE A NOVEL. And visit theperfectwrite.com for FREE QUERY LETTER REVIEW information.

One of the best ways to understand something is to provide different treatments of the subject. Thomas Mann’s eight stories in the popular Vintage imprint with DEATH IN VENICE as the lead title is ideal to work from, since each story is written in a different voice. Yet his masterpiece, THE MAGIC MOUNTAIN, depicts his voice as a separate entity unto its own–and one could say this was Mann’s true voice.

While the short stories in the DEATH IN VENICE Vintage compendium enable a relatively quick study of the range voice can take, this is far from conclusive. The reason is because voice is without boundaries. This open architecture, in and of itself, leads to much of the confusion about voice. And this is the first distinction between voice and tone, since tone can generally be identified without too much of an argument.

So What is Voice?

When someone hears that a “new voice has exploded upon the literary scene,” does one automatically expect to read the next Marcel Proust, Virginia Wolfe, Ann Rand, Ralph Ellison, William Faulkner, or Erskine Caldwell; and should we seek successful writers from our current era such as Pat Conroy, Elmore Leonard, E. L. Doctorow, Tom Clancy, or Barbara Kingsolver to understand the reference?

Each of these writers possesses a distinctive voice, but what do we say about different authors who work in the same genre and write in a similar style? Does each writer still have a separate voice? Of course he or she does. Just as one singer can sound like another but not possess the identical range in every key.

An Attorney Letter and Family Correspondence on the Same Subject Illustrate the Difference

One of the best ways I can think of to showcase the disparity of voice is to compare an invitation to the reading of a will from an attorney with the same request from a close relative.

The first might read something like this: Dear Mr. David C. Howson: Please be advised that your attendance is requested on Thursday, January 11, 2009, at 1:00 p.m., in the offices of John Carlton Jones, Esquire, Attorney at Law, 201 West Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60601, for the reading of the Last Will and Testament of Horatio Clark Howson, etc.

Conversely, here is the invitation from a close relative: Dear Davey, your uncle’s will is going to be read next week at our attorney’s office, and we look forward to seeing you there. Jo Ann will call you for with the details. Love, Aunt Mary.

Style Establishes Voice, but There’s a Lot More to it

Same message about the dearly departed, and although both are conveyed in what is considered a soft tone in relative terms, they are written in decidedly different voices. So while it’s safe to say that style creates voice as much as the words that are used, what about an academic paper written in an authoritative tone? Isn’t this also an authoritative voice? Certainly, except it would probably be easier for definition purposes to claim the voice as authoritative and the tone as strong.

Tone has Three Basic Mediums

For practical purposes, tone is either soft, moderate, or strong. These areas of course can have any number of gradients, from very soft to aggressively strong, but the three delineations provide the basis for comparison. This is still speculative, because what one person considers moderate another might feel is strong (and of course vice versa). But it’s much easier to come to a consensus on a specific tone than to devise a chart that categorizes voice.

So, Again, What is Voice?

Voice is you. Should you and another person write a book about the identical topic, your story will reflect your way of telling the tale via words and syntax that differ from what the other writer has used. So when you write a book, and the critics proclaim a fantastic new voice has roared onto the scene, these pundits are talking specifically about you, because you are the voice of your writing. And a unique voice indeed.

Related Articles

→ The Difference That Writing Worksheets Can Make To Kids
Worksheets can be instructional and fun. Find out about writing worksheets.

→ How to Appreciate Poetry: Understanding Types of Poems
A poem is a created work that uses language to express ideas that are meaningful and memorable. Several broad types of poems that have been used throughout history include the epic poem, lyrical poems, dramatic poems,and the various familiar fixed forms such as ballads and sonnets.

→ Writers, Are You Using Your Voice To Build A Relationship With Your Readers?
Your writing voice isn't the only way to stand out in the minds of your readers. Use your speaking voice as well to grow your readership.

→ Understanding Private Label Rights Articles
This article talks about PLRs and what they can do for your site.

→ Writing a Novel – Point of View and Techniques for Effective Shifts
Point of View is one of the most difficult aspects of writing for many people to master. Even the best authors make mistakes. Here are some techniques that can enable seamless shifts, along with issues to always consider.

Looking For More Information?

Make sure to explore other articles in the Article Writing category or contact us to suggest a website or a service to review.

Service Availability: Most of the services mentioned by this website are available in Australia. These include Victoria (Melbourne, Ballarat, Geelong, Bendigo, Shepparton-Mooroopna, Melton), NSW (Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong, Orange, Central Coast, Wagga Wagga), Queensland (Brisbane, Gold Coast, Townsville, Cairns, Thuringowa, Toowoomba), South Australia (Adelaide, Mount Gambier, Whyalla), Western Australia (Perth, Albany, Port Hedland, Broom, Karratha, Mandurah, Geraldton, Bunbury), Northern Territory (Darwin, Alice Springs, Katherine), Australian Capital Territory (Canberra) and Tasmania (Hobart, Launceston).