Embrace Vulnerability in Your Messaging

One of the most important qualities of being an engaging and impactful content creator is relatability. Relatability is often overlooked when it involves written content. Though, it is how we can have a deeper connection with our audience.

And most impactful content creators know vulnerability makes you more relatable.

When you are too guarded with your writing, it is hard for readers to connect to your work. Readers won’t understand your message because they don’t relate to how you convey your experiences or emotions.

As writers, we have moments when we get so caught up in the work, we forget it will be “people” who read our work. It is particularly easy to forget when writing online. SEO Friendly content is important to be found online, but relatable content builds the audience we treasure.

What if I’m not the vulnerable type?

We love labels, but there aren’t any “vulnerable” and “invulnerable” people. Nevertheless, some people do struggle to express their emotions, desires, and convictions.

If writing about personal issues or feelings makes you uncomfortable then don’t force the issue when writing. Forcing vulnerability can backfire and come across inauthentic to your audience.

Remember, you don’t have to expose everything about yourself in your writing to show #vulnerability .

You Can Be Vulnerable without Oversharing

There’s a difference between being vulnerable and sharing too much with people. It’s okay to keep some things private. Oversharing can cause harm to our reputation or hurt someone else. You will have to use sound judgment to know if it is worth it.

How do you know when you are oversharing?

1. You are oversharing when you’ve exposed someone else's life experiences without consent.
2. You are oversharing when things get a little cringy.
3. You are oversharing when the thought of anyone you know reading your content would require a long explanation.

Still, Don’t Let Fear of Judgment Prevent You from Being Vulnerable

It’s?normal?to be afraid of what people think about you. You may worry that your thoughts and opinions will come across as silly, wrong, or weird. However, if you want to be a successful content creator — stop caring what people think. It won’t make you?normal, but it will set your mind free.

Don’t be afraid to admit your weaknesses

If you are writing about a personal experience, let the readers know your struggles, conflicts, and even your fears. For example, if you are writing about work-life balance as a writer. Even readers who aren’t writers can relate to loving what you do but feeling selfish when you spend hours working on your craft.

Additionally, if your piece focuses on a particular aspect of your personality, let the readers know you can be over-analytical. But you are over-analytical because you are always searching for the truth. Admit your weaknesses, you will have more impact on the reader.

This practice can also work for fiction writers who want to give their characters more depth by adding vulnerabilities to them too. Readers can relate to a flawed heroine.

Express your emotions

In your writing, let the reader know how you are feeling about a topic or situation as you are discussing it. For example, if you are disappointed about the News coverage of young black women who go missing, then express it without saying “I’m mad or I’m pissed off.” Show don’t tell can apply non-fiction and creative non-fiction. Show your emotions.?

Tell stories

Stories or anecdotes are a great way to show vulnerability and become more relatable in your writing. This is a common way of writing and people enjoy reading them because they like being taken on a journey or even an adventure. You can captivate an audience with a riveting adventure story.

You can write a story about your hunt to find the best vegan restaurant in your city. You can talk about your excitement when you discovered there were 18 restaurants in your community dedicated to plant-based cuisine. You can show your excitement.

Practice Seeing Things from Someone Else’s Point of View

Some of us may find it easier to learn vulnerability before we can practice it. We can learn vulnerability when we practice seeing moments from someone else’s point of view. This will help you understand how others might feel and can give you insight into what they are experiencing.

Take a few minutes and think about something you did today that required interaction with someone else. Maybe you had to go wash your car. Sit down and write about that experience from one of the attendant’s point of view. Empathize with his day, his work.

You can practice empathy to learn vulnerability. Try this exercise from time to time and your ability to express your emotions will get easier.

Tell the Truth

Telling the truth in your writing is a surefire way of being vulnerable and making an impact on the reader. For instance, if your piece describes a time you failed to achieve something important, how did it affect your self-esteem? How did this make?you?feel? What did learn?you?from what happened?

“A culture cannot evolve without honest, powerful storytelling.?"

Vulnerability Makes a Lasting Impact on Readers

Every content creator and writer wants to build an audience that loves and enjoys their work. But to really tap into an audience, you have to make an impact on the reader. Relatability makes an impact.

Practicing vulnerability in your writing can be a way to make you more relatable. I know wearing your heart on your sleeve while you are at the keys isn’t easy, but with practice it becomes natural. Give it a try, and you will connect with readers in a way you never thought possible.

Catch more inspiring messages on my blog ~?https://carlshawnwatkins.com/blog

Follow Carl Shawn Watkins, LLC ~ https://www.dhirubhai.net/company/carl-shawn-watkins-consulting/

This newsletter is curated by???Carl Shawn Watkins ???, CEO Carl Shawn Watkins Consulting, LLC who is a DEI culture consultant.?

Be Vulnerable…Leadership Needs an Example.?

Clients and Corporations hire me to transform their Diversity, Equity & Inclusion culture and their leaders by empowering them to overcome their fear of vulnerability, self-limiting beliefs and to strengthen their ability to influence, motivate and lead. If you are seeking guidance and consultation around diversity, equity, and inclusion and vulnerability leadership in your workplace, visit the?website?to learn more about services that can be tailored to your specific needs.?