Why First-Person Writing Can Be More Effective than Third-Person Writing (and the Pros and Cons of Each)
Why do I always write in First-Person? I’ll tell you why…
When it comes to writing, one of the earliest decisions to make is whether to use first-person or third-person perspective. This choice shapes not only the tone and style of the content but also how your audience connects with the message. Below explains why first-person writing can sometimes be more effective than third-person, while also weighing the pros and cons of both perspectives.
Why First-Person Writing Can Be More Effective
- Authenticity and Personal Connection
Writing in the first person (using “I” and “we”) can create a sense of authenticity and personal connection. It feels like I am speaking directly to you, building a relationship based on trust and sincerity. For example, when I communicate with clients, first-person writing makes the message more relatable because it gives insight into my personal experiences and thoughts. When someone writes, “I know how stressful wedding planning can be, but I’m here to help,” you may feel a stronger connection to me than if it were written in third person: “We understand how stressful wedding planning can be.” Who’s we? - More Engaging
First-person writing allows for more engaging communication because of the direct communication between you and I. This makes the client feel like your full focus is on them alone and feels like a more personal conversation. - Establishes Trust and Expertise
For professionals or service providers, writing in the first person can humanise a business. When a DJ writes, “I will work closely with you to make your event memorable,” it sounds more approachable and personal than the third-person alternative, “The DJ works closely with clients.”… Wait… What DJ am I getting?! It can establish trust because your client feels like they are hearing directly from the person who will be involved.
The Pros and Cons of First-Person Writing
| Pros | Cons |
| Personal connection: First-person writing allows the writer to directly connect with the reader, often leading to a more emotional and engaging experience. | Overly Subjective: First-person writing can sometimes feel too personal, especially when it comes to formal writing. |
| Authenticity: Readers are more likely to trust someone who shares personal experiences and speaks from their own perspective. | Limited Scope: Writing from a personal perspective might restrict the narrative to your viewpoint. |
| Clarity of Opinion: It’s clear when the writer is expressing personal views or experiences, leaving less ambiguity about the point of view. | Potential for Self-Indulgence: If overused, first-person writing can come off as self-centered or too focused you |
When should I use First-Person Writing?
- Emails & Marketing: When engaging conversation with clients or potential clients, showcasing your work should be written in first person. Your clients want to be made to feel like they’re hearing from you directly.
- Personal Blogs: Just like this one… If you’re sharing posts about your gigs & events on Social Media, use First-Person… “I had the pleasure of DJing at Ian & Mark’s wedding this weekend”. If you put “we”, who else was involved?
- Smaller Businesses: We (yes, we) refer to ourselves as small businesses. Using first-person can make the company feel approachable and trustworthy.
The Pros and Cons of First-Person Writing
| Pros | Cons |
| Professionalism and Objectivity: Third-person writing often feels more formal and objective, which can be beneficial in professional, academic, or business contexts. It gives an air of authority and can distance the writer from the subject matter, making it easier to present balanced arguments. | Less Personal Engagement: While third-person writing may be more formal, it can also feel distant. Readers may not form as strong a personal connection with the writer or the material. |
| Broader Perspective: Third-person writing allows the writer to step back and examine different viewpoints or experiences without being personally involved. This can offer a wider, more balanced perspective. | Can Feel Cold or Detached: In certain situations, like blog posts or marketing materials, third-person can come across as too impersonal, making it harder for the reader to feel emotionally engaged with the content. |
| Flexible for Various Audiences: It’s a versatile style suitable for academic, technical, and business writing, where the focus is on facts, analysis, or the product rather than personal stories. | Harder to Convey Passion: When trying to convey enthusiasm or passion, third-person writing can feel stiff. Personal enthusiasm, which is key in persuasive writing or storytelling, is easier to express in first-person. |
When should I use Third-Person Writing?
- More than one person: If you’ve worked with other people on the same event and you’ve collaborated with them closely, use “we”. You’ve tagged someone who’s supplied a photobooth for you on social and they’re name is next to yours at the top – “We supplied the DJ package and Photobooth for this event”
- Formal Documents: Contracts is the key one here. You’ve set your business name as JP Discos Watford, make sure you have (“We”, “Our”,”I”) in your definitions as they can be referred back to as the business.
- Manuals: Hire out equipment? Using third person in a manual keeps the focus on the instructions themselves, maintaining objectivity, universality, and professionalism. It avoids personal bias, ensuring the information is applicable to all users, regardless of their level of experience or how they may approach the task.