1. Communication Standards
  2. Brand Voice
  3. Guidelines

Guidelines for Building Our Brand Voice

Craft

  • You'll get to know your instructors and work closely with them as they share their expertise and passion with you.
  • Suraiya, we're excited you're joining us for our open house this spring.
  • Be who you are. Discover who you want to be.
  • Our faculty will help cultivate problem-solving and leadership skills that you'll find useful far beyond the classroom. You're already a thinker, dreamer and doer. We'll just help you find your way.

Organize

  • Organize your communication with a clear hierarchy so the reader can scan for key information.
  • In long communications, use headlines and subheads.
  • Carefully edit to eliminate unnecessary words, sentences or ideas (and remember that your communication is one of many the student will receive from NIU).
  • Use quotes from faculty, staff and students, but make sure the quotes are compelling and authentic.
  • Use examples to clarify or add empathy.

Edit

  • Make any next steps or what students can expect next very clear.
  • Read your writing aloud — if it sounds unnatural, it probably needs to be revised.

Be clear and aligned on objective.

Before writing a communication, be clear about your objective and the points you need to convey. It's helpful to have the objective and key message points agreed-upon and in writing, ready to be shared with stakeholders at every stage of review.