Effective Writing

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.

So here’s a refresher on each point of view and how they might be used. A point of view indicates a writer’s relation to the information that is being presented via the use of a ‘personal pronoun.’ Personal pronouns are divided into the first, second and third person.

First person uses the personal pronoun “I.” If I use this personal pronoun, I am indicating to my reader that I am an observer and participant. In school, we’re told that using I is usually unacceptable unless you’re stating an opinion; even then you’re encouraged to use “one” or the third person. But “I” can be used to liven up your writing. If you’re creating an opinion or editorial piece, it is completely acceptable to use the first person. Knowing when and where to use the pronoun “I” as an effective writing device can enhance your writing, but make sure you choose to use it with intent.

Second person uses the pronoun “you.” It is one of the most common POV’s and is often found in advice and instruction materials. It is either stated implicitly, as in ‘now you push the red button,’ or implied, as in ‘now push the red button.’ In the second person, you are the director or advisor rather than the observer or participant. Like third person, second person is impersonal.

Third person uses he, she, they and any other pronoun that is neither first nor second person POV. Third person POV is traditionally used in formal, academic and technical writing, separating the writer from the material completely. The third person is informal, and the writer’s role is to give instructions or advice, write about other people or things, and generally provide information that is balanced, objective and impersonal.

Keep in mind that the point of view you assume, whether it’s personal or impersonal, depends on your audience and the purpose of the document. If you’re writing a formal letter to a potential employer, maintaining an impersonal point of view will make you look more professional. Conversely, if you shoot an email to a colleague, it’s ok to relax and adopt a more personal tone. A good rule of thumb is to pay attention after the first letter or email from a colleague, associate, boss, or potential employer. Take your POV cue from them, and you’ll be fine.