Got Personality?

One of the things people say about blogs they like is “personality”. What does this mean?

There are actually a few specific things this might mean. They like the writing style, they find the humour funny, the stories are amusing. It could also be an “attitude” thing.

The best example of a personality blogger I have is Scott Adams (who I have linked to a ton of times but I do really like his blog!). His stories, turn of phrase, way of looking at life – he just cracks me up.

Common sense I guess, but how does this help us?

My usual advice is “be yourself”. I have found though this is not exactly the most helpful advice I have ever given out. What comes naturally to some is a real problem for others.

Know Thyself

“Being yourself” means knowing what being yourself is like. One way to discover your “you-ness” is to understand your values, beliefs, philosophy. What are your priorities? This isn’t just important from a “personality” point of view but also it’s good to be consistent in your approach as people mistrust you if you contradict yourself.

For example if I started criticising people for being nerds, knocked people for taking pleasure from gadgets and generally railed against all things technology. Yes, highly unlikely, and possibly over exaggerated, but you get the point 🙂

Make It Personal

It’s important to include some personal details for people to feel they have connected with your personality. Also people are more likely to like people who have things in common. Those personal details are the bridges between you, common ground as it were. This is one of the reasons it is good to mix in some less business posts occasionally, tell stories, share some history. You will find your audience reacts. Some will agree, you will get corrected, some will have their own stories, but most will appreciate being included.

“Oh I had a Vic-20 computer too”
“Yeah the Calgary flames looked like they were going to make it this year, whatever happened?”
“Actually Vegimite is not the same as Marmite”
“You think you had it tough? I had to walk 10 miles every day, up-hill both ways”

Write Like You Talk

When you are speaking to someone you address them. You don’t talk “at” them, you talk “to” them. You ask questions, you give them space to reply, you tend to use natural language rather than “jargonese”. This isn’t about being sloppy, your writing can still be professional and have all the correct grammar. What I am suggesting is you write like a human being talking to another human being.

Relax

The best advice is to relax. When you let your writing flow your personality will come through naturally.

Do you have favourite bloggers who you read for their personality? What do you look for in a personality blogger? Share your thoughts in the comments …

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