Tone of Voice

Date:2026-02-14

Brand Voice Chart

Let’s show the traits you have identified in your Brand Personality Spectrum

Voice Characteristics Description Do Don’t
Authoritative We are confident, well researched & accurate Be sure of yourself in copy, cite reputable sources Don’t be condescending
Formal We act in accordance with convention or etiquette Be polite and respectful Observe accepted traditions Don’t be quirky Don’t be too familiar
Familiar We know the needs of our customers and we are knowledgeable in supporting them Be friendly Know your customer personas and segments Be well-informed of your customer’s needs Don’t be aloof or standoffish Don’t be out-of-date
Serious We mean what we say and are careful and concerned Use straight forward messaging Don’t be. funny
Steady & stable We are reliable and provide you with what you need to make your job easier Be honest and direct Stick to your word Don’t over promise Don’t over-sell capabilities
Conservative We hold traditional views and value Be moderate and cautious Don’t be too bold
Mature We are knowledgeable, well developed well balanced Be considerate Show your experience and completeness Don’t be weak out of date Don’t be prudish Don’t try to act young and funky
Masculine We are powerful, robust and gentlemanly Be on trend for the segment Be powerful and focussed on solutions Don’t be passive Don’t be too macho or aggressive
Disengaged We provide our customers the tools and protocols to act independently with self service Provide excellent tools for self-service and reassuring self-help protocols with clear communications Don’t over promise
Unassuming We are polite, modest, knowledgeable and trustworthy Be confident, open and considerate Be a trusted choice for quality Be respectful Don’t assume Don’t be too slick or sleazy Don’t brag about your own importance
bold We are ourselves and challenge the status quo Stand out by using unexpected examples Express yourself Don’t be timid Don’t use too much slang Don’t lose sight of the audience and key message
Funny We are not afraid to make you laugh Use humour – tactfully Don’t be too goofy Don’t be gloomy
dynamic We are straight forward, clear, energetic, compelling and mighty Be vitalized Be dashing Be knowledgeable and compelling Don’t be wishy-washy Don’t be plain, passive or powerless Don’t be understated or ambiguous
Passionate We are passionate about making it work Use strong verbs Be champions for (industry) Don’t be wishy-washy, get to the point Don’t use passive voice as it sounds weaker
Youthful We are fresh, lively and enthusiastic Be vibrant and innovative Show you are up-to-date with what is happening Don’t be childish Don’t be old fashioned and stale
Feminine We are well bred and provide lovely products for our feminine audience Be on trend for the segment Be attractive with some gentleness Don’t be macho Don’t be matronly or weak Don’t be overly girly or silly
Helpful We genuinely want to help solve a customer’s problems We genuinely want to help solve a customer’s problems" Don’t sound overly friendly"
Innovative We love to find new ways to provide innovative solutions that satisfy our customer’s needs Be creative, new and original Be resourceful and imaginative Show you are an expert and be leading edge Don’t be too familiar Don’t be dull or pedantic Don’t be the same as everyone
Corporate, Professional
Established
Upscale
Personable & friendly
Modern or high tech
Cutting Edge
Accessible to all
Classic and Traditional