Why written tone matters

Instructor Presence, Voice, and Written Tone

In last month’s Faculty Development module on Creating an Inclusive Environment, Spokane Community College instructor Linda Buff had a very insightful reflection (shared with permission):

“My in-person manner and email tone are very positive and encouraging, but my syllabus remains terse and businesslike. When teaching in-person classes, I am intentional in how I interact with students and how I establish the climate of my classroom; I believe the tone of the syllabus is secondary. But I now realize that in online classes, the syllabus may be the first and primary way that students perceive me. The tone of the syllabus is critical.”

In an in-person (and to a lesser extent, online synchronous) course, it’s usually easy for students to quickly get a sense of your personality; your sense of humor; your enthusiasm for the subject matter; your willingness to offer support and answer questions. In an asynchronous online course that relies on text, it’s more challenging. 

The way we think we’re presenting ourselves is not always the way students are receiving us. You may intend to write something in a professional or academic tone, but students may interpret it as impersonal, cold, or even hostile. 

We’re not suggesting that every instructor should start using smiley faces and cat gifs — though we do love a good cat gif. But being more intentional about your personal writing style — your tone, or written voice — can help students feel more connected to you as a teacher and as a person. Making sure that your passion and enthusiasm shines through your online courses means your students are more likely to return that enthusiasm.

Learning Objectives:

  • Identify the importance of written tone and voice as it relates to student engagement and equity.
  • Reflect on your own identity as an instructor, and how your identity is perceived by your online students.
  • Reconsider and revise the written tone of an important course announcement, syllabus, assignment, or discussion post.