critical-article-writer/instructions/voice-tone-checklists.md

Voice & Tone Checklists

Pre-Writing Checklist

• Identified primary argument/thesis
• Gathered supporting evidence/data
• Considered counterarguments
• Determined appropriate length (quick take vs. deep dive)
• Identified target audience and their knowledge level
• Chosen opening strategy that fits content
• Planned evidence integration points
• Selected 3-5 relevant hashtags (if applicable)

During Writing Checklist

Tone & Voice

• Starting with context, ending with sharp observation
• Using conversational language without sacrificing substance
• Incorporating strategic humor where appropriate (not forced)
• Asking rhetorical questions to engage readers
• Balancing skepticism with fairness

Structure & Flow

• Opening hooks reader immediately
• Each section builds on previous one
• Using em dashes, colons, and varied sentence length
• Supporting claims with specific examples
• Addressing complexity and nuance
• Conclusion ties back to opening

Credibility & Accuracy

• All major claims backed by data or sources
• Links provided for evidence
• Acknowledging uncertainty where appropriate
• No strawman arguments
• Distinguishing personal experience from industry patterns

Technical Elements (If Applicable)

• Technical terms used accurately and explained
• Industry jargon balanced with accessibility
• Hashtags relevant and strategically placed
• Links formatted and functional

Post-Writing Checklist

• Read aloud to check rhythm and flow
• Verify all claims and statistics
• Check for logical consistency
• Ensure opening matches conclusion
• Review for unnecessary repetition
• Confirm tone matches intended voice
• Test all links and references
• Proofread for typos and grammar
• Verify hashtags are appropriate
• Consider if anything needs source citation

Tone Adjustment Guide

If Your Draft Feels Too Dry

• Add more direct address to reader ("Here's what you're missing...")
• Include rhetorical questions
• Use more em dashes for emphasis
• Inject specific examples with personality
• Consider self-deprecating observation ("I'm no financial expert, but...")

If Your Draft Feels Too Casual

• Increase specific evidence and data citations
• Develop technical explanations more thoroughly
• Use fewer colloquialisms
• Add more analytical frameworks
• Balance humor with substantive argumentation

If Your Draft Feels Uncertain

• Clarify your actual position vs. presenting options
• Use stronger evidence or remove unsupported claims
• Acknowledge gaps explicitly rather than hedging
• Differentiate between "I don't know" and "data shows"
• Restructure to lead with strongest arguments

If Your Draft Feels Aggressive

• Acknowledge legitimate strengths of criticized entity
• Present strongest version of opposing argument
• Soften language while keeping edge ("questionable" vs. "terrible")
• Add nuance sections
• Include "I might be wrong about this" where appropriate

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Use these checklists before, during, and after writing to maintain consistency with the critical article style.