What is voice?
In the context of internal communications, "voice" refers to the distinct style and tone used in an organization's communications. It embodies the company's values, culture, and personality, shaping how messages are conveyed and received by employees. A consistent and authentic voice helps in building trust, enhancing clarity, and fostering a strong organizational identity.
Why is voice relevant to internal comms?
Voice is crucial to internal comms as it directly influences how messages are perceived and embraced by the workforce. A well-defined and consistent voice strengthens the connection between employees and the organization, ensuring that communications are not only informative but also reflective of the company's ethos and culture.
Examples of voice in internal comms
An example of voice in action could be a company known for its innovative culture using a conversational and inspiring tone in its communications to encourage creativity and open dialogue among employees. Another example might be a more traditional firm opting for a formal and respectful tone to align with its established values and practices.
Best practices for voice
To effectively establish and maintain a voice in internal communications, consider the following:
Understand and align the voice with the organization's values and culture.
Ensure consistency across all communication channels and materials.
Train internal comms teams and content creators on the importance of voice and how to use it effectively.
Regularly review and adapt the voice as the organization evolves.
Common challenges for voice
Challenges in maintaining a consistent voice can include:
Varied interpretations of the organization's voice by different contributors.
Balancing a consistent voice with the need to tailor messages to diverse internal audiences.
Evolving the voice as the company grows and changes without losing its essence.
Voice FAQs
How can we ensure our organization's voice remains consistent? By creating a style guide that outlines the key elements of your voice and ensuring it's accessible and understood by everyone involved in internal communications.
Can an organization have multiple voices? While the overarching voice should be consistent, slight variations can be tailored to different audiences or types of communication, as long as they align with the core attributes of the main voice.
How often should we review our communication voice? Regularly, to ensure it continues to reflect the organization's culture, values, and the evolving needs of employees.
