How we speak (whether that’s verbally or in writing) is just as important as how we look. As a quick guide, our tone of voice should be:
- Inviting and enabling dialogue
- Supportive and understanding
- Friendly to everyone at all times
- Lively and informal
- Guiding and showing (not telling)
Here are some quick examples:
Inviting and Enabling Dialogue
If we want to talk about where to apply to volunteer with the Student Union...
Say it like this...
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Not like this...
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Get involved! Contact Polly or Kieran to find out how.
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If you want to find out more on how to get involved, contact Activities Coordinator, Polly Glynn or Vice President Community, Kieran Robson Renner.
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Supportive and Understanding
If we want to say that one of the tills is cash only...
Say it like this...
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Not like this...
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Cash only at this till. Sorry! If you don’t have cash on you, head to the cash machine along the corridor.
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Cash only.
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Friendly to Everyone at All Times
If we want to say the Adivce Hub is shut and opens again at 9am...
Say it like this...
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Not like this...
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We’re CLOSED. Sorry! We’ll be back at 9am – let’s chat then.
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Closed. Advice Hub opens at 9am.
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Lively and Informal
If we want to say our website has a technical error...
Say it like this...
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Not like this...
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What did you do?! You broke it! (Just kidding. We’re experiencing a problem at our end and we’re on the case)
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We apologise there is a technical error on the site.
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Guiding and Showing (not telling)
If you're giving advice to societies about writing communications to their members...
Say it like this...
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Not like this...
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When writing to your society, ask yourself if it will be understood by newbies or people whose English is a second language.
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You must ensure that all society communications are accessible.
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