How do you develop your own voice and style as a philanthropist?

1 Identify your purpose

Why do you give? What are the issues or causes that matter most to you? How do you want to make a difference in the world? These are some of the questions that can help you define your purpose as a philanthropist. Your purpose is the core of your voice and style, as it reflects your motivation, beliefs, and values. It also guides your decisions, actions, and communication. Write down your purpose statement and use it as a reference point for your philanthropic journey.

2 Know your audience

Who are you trying to reach with your philanthropy? What are their needs, interests, and preferences? How do they communicate and consume information? Knowing your audience can help you tailor your voice and style to suit them. You want to speak their language, use relevant examples and stories, and appeal to their emotions and logic. You also want to avoid jargon, assumptions, and stereotypes that might alienate or confuse them. Research your audience and get feedback from them to improve your communication.

3 Be authentic

Your voice and style should reflect who you are as a person and as a philanthropist. Don't try to copy or imitate someone else's voice and style, as that might come across as insincere or inconsistent. Instead, be yourself and share your personal experiences, opinions, and emotions. Show your passion, curiosity, and humility. Be honest, transparent, and respectful. Your authenticity will help you build trust, credibility, and rapport with your audience.

4 Be creative

Your voice and style should also showcase your personality and flair. Don't be afraid to experiment with different formats, mediums, and techniques to express your philanthropy. You can use humor, metaphors, analogies, visuals, audio, video, or interactive elements to make your communication more engaging and memorable. You can also use storytelling, narratives, or anecdotes to illustrate your points and create emotional connections. Be creative and have fun with your voice and style.

5 Be consistent

Your voice and style should be consistent across all your philanthropic platforms and channels. Whether you are writing a blog post, giving a speech, posting on social media, or sending an email, you should use the same tone, language, and message. This will help you establish your identity, reputation, and brand as a philanthropist. It will also help you avoid confusion, contradiction, or miscommunication with your audience. Review and edit your communication regularly and ensure that it aligns with your purpose, audience, authenticity, and creativity.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?