Writing With the Correct Point of View
Friday, August 25, 2006
Have you noticed that you consistently fall into one point of view (POV) when you begin writing an article or other similar document? This process is so routine that many writers don’t think about the importance of the point of view they’re using, though most of us automatically write in the point of view with which we’re most comfortable. When you’re in high school, you’re briefly introduced to points of view and generally told to stay away from the personal pronoun “I.” If you go to college, you tend to write in the third person, as it is often more objective and impersonal. Eventually, consciously or not, you begin to realize that point of view in a professional email or an article is just as important as style, tone and word choice.
Next time you sit down to write, think about which point of view is most appropriate. Is your goal to instruct and advise or to participate and observe? These are questions you need to ask before you sit down and begin your project.
