Moxie & Heart

Unlearn these 5 brand voice myths to make waves

“Just be authentic.”
“Add more personality!”
“Pick three adjectives and stick to them.”

There’s a lot of noise out there about what brand voice is and how you can create one that turns heads. 

But most of them are either vague or plain wrong (sorry not sorry).

Unlearn these 5 brand voice myths so you can start saying what you really mean in your content and copy – without feeling boxed in or exposed.

1. This all or nothing concept of authenticity and vulnerability

You don’t need to share everything about your life to be seen as a “relatable, authentic authority.”

Your brand voice can be a curated persona.

It’s based on who you are – but you absolutely have the right to mold it in a way that makes it easy for you to show up while staying true to your values.

You can share your personality, your culture, quirks, your heart without having to pull back the curtain on everything.

Showing the human side of your brand doesn’t have to set you up with a vulnerability hangover.

We’re all processing something. We all have different thresholds for vulnerability. 

2. The myth of a "consistent" brand voice

Consistency in branding is important, but let’s be real – trying to maintain a single tone across all your content can feel stifling.

Just like you, your brand voice can be multidimensional. You wouldn’t talk to your best friend the same way you’d present at a conference, right? The same goes for your brand voice.

You’ll need to channel different parts of your brand’s personality and expertise for selling, educating, sending proposals, and more. 

While there may be an underlying common thread, you’re allowed to switch and choose a “dominant” tone for specific content pieces.

3. That you need to write at a 5th grade level

No. God no.

Unless you’re actually selling to 5th graders, maybe then.

The idea that you should simplify everything to an elementary level is just ridiculous.

Your audience should be able to easily understand what you're selling or trying to say. If you confuse 'em, you lose 'em. But that doesn't mean you need to dumb everything down.

Consider who you’re talking to. If you’re speaking to industry professionals, using technical words isn’t just acceptable—it’s expected.

4. Buzz words are the best/worst

If you overuse buzz words, your content turns into a confusing word salad. 

But ditch them entirely and you might lose touch with your audience.

Buzzwords are like seasoning - they can add flavor, but too much and they ruin the dish.

Think of it this way: instead of relying on overused terms, we need to  articulate what we really mean. 

Couple of examples:

  • As a coach if you care about “empowering” your clients – breakdown what empowerment really means from your POV. 
  • As an OBM, if you’re  helping your clients get back their time by integrating the proper “systems” – what do you actually cover? What are your views on organizing, systems, automation, etc.? What is your definition of systems?

5. Your brand voice is just the words you use

Your brand voice is so much more than “word bank.”

It’s a complex, multifaceted entity that goes far beyond a list of approved vocabulary.

It’s the embodiment of your brand’s personality, values, and worldview – derived from your expertise, beliefs, and lived experiences. 

It’s not just about the words you use – it’s about the feelings and opinions behind those words.

Think about it.

There’s a reason why you use certain phrases over and over again.

There’s a reason why you feel a certain way about your offers, industry, and work.

Your brand voice is more than the words you use - you gotta let your opinions shine through. Treat your brand voice with the depth and consideration it deserves, and watch how it transforms the results you get from your marketing.

Bottomline

Your brand voice can be both authentic and strategic.

Being authentic doesn’t have to mean sharing every intimate detail of your life or broadcasting your stream of consciousness.

It’s about presenting a genuine, curated version of yourself that aligns with your business goals and resonates with your audience.

It’s okay – even necessary – to be selective about what you share and how you present yourself.

The goal is to create a voice that feels natural to you, makes it easy for you to show up consistently, and connects meaningfully with your ideal clients.

about

Moxie and Heart is the home of ick-free, values-driven copy and case studies for culture-shifting brands. 

Show up unapologetically, share your world-changing message, and attract ready-to-invest clients with less resistance. 

BIPOC-owned business from India working with diverse clients globally.

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Moxie and Heart is the home of ick-free, values-driven copy and case studies for culture-shifting brands. 

Show up unapologetically, share your world-changing message, and attract ready-to-invest clients with less resistance. 

BIPOC-owned business from India working with diverse clients globally.