The distinct voices of biographical writing
12 voice profiles, each with the people who use it, the hallmarks of the voice, what to avoid, a sample paragraph in the register, and how it differs from adjacent voices. Pick a register before you draft.
Authoritative
4 profilesAcademic Considered
The voice of faculty and research scientists — citation-aware and organized around a program of research.
Civic Formal
The voice of public-service biographies — institutional, oriented around office, district, and tenure.
Executive Restrained
The voice of senior leadership in print — restrained, third-person, and anchored.
Technical Precise
The voice of bios written for technical readers — declarative, system-specific, and stripped of marketing.