What is Tone of Voice in UX Writing? 6 Different Tones with Examples

What is tone of voice?

In UX writing, tone of voice is all about how a message is communicated, based on the style, attitude, and personality of the brand. It involves the choice of words, sentence structure, and overall style to connect and engage with the target audience.

Why is tone of voice important?

Tone of voice can evoke emotions and establish a connection with the audience, making the message more engaging and memorable. It is important in UX writing because it impacts user engagement, reflects brand personality, and enhances the overall user experience.

1. Friendly

A friendly tone of voice aims to create a warm, approachable, and inviting experience for users. It fosters a sense of connection and empathy, making users feel valued and supported throughout their interaction with the interface.

2. Authoritative

An authoritative tone of voice conveys confidence, expertise, and trustworthiness. It aims to provide clear guidance and direction to users, prompting them to take action with a sense of urgency and importance.

3. Informative

An informative tone of voice strives to deliver clear, concise, and relevant information to users. It aims to educate and guide users through the information they need to accomplish their goals effectively.

4. Empathetic

An empathetic tone of voice focuses on understanding, compassion, and support for users' feelings and experiences. It acknowledges their challenges and frustrations, aiming to reassure and assist them in achieving their goals.

5. Playful

A playful tone of voice injects humor, creativity, and lightheartedness into the user experience. It aims to delight and entertain users while guiding them through the interface.

6. Instructional

An instructional tone of voice directs users on specific actions to take, helping them navigate through the interface and complete tasks efficiently. It focuses on clarity and simplicity, ensuring users understand the actions to take.

Conclusion

There isn't a fixed number of tones of voice in UX writing, as it can vary depending on the specific context, brand personality, and target audience. However, we've explored some common tones of voice in UX writing. These tones can be combined or adapted to suit the needs of the user experience and the goals of the product or service.