When it comes to writing a bio, one of the most common debates is whether to write it in first person or third person. While both approaches have their advantages and disadvantages, the answer ultimately depends on the context, purpose, and tone you want to convey. In this article, we’ll delve into the pros and cons of writing a bio in first person, exploring when it’s appropriate, and when it’s best to take a step back and opt for third person instead.
What is a Bio, Anyway?
Before we dive into the nuances of writing a bio in first person, let’s define what a bio is. A bio, short for biography, is a brief summary of a person’s life, career, and achievements. It’s often used to introduce oneself, establish credibility, and provide a personal touch to a professional or online presence. Bios can be found on social media profiles, company websites, author pages, and even product packaging.
The Case for Writing a Bio in First Person
Writing a bio in first person can be an effective way to:
Inject Personality and Authenticity
Using “I” and “me” in your bio can create a sense of intimacy and connection with your audience. It’s a way to share your personality, values, and passions directly with your readers. This approach can be particularly useful for creative professionals, bloggers, and social media influencers who want to build a personal brand.
Example: “I’m a freelance writer, coffee snob, and dog mom, always on the lookout for my next adventure.”
Showcase Your Voice and Tone
First-person bios allow you to infuse your writing with your unique voice and tone. This can help your audience understand your perspective and what sets you apart from others. It’s especially useful for writers, comedians, and public speakers who want to convey their humor, wit, or charm.
Example: “I’m a wordsmith, a storyteller, and a bit of a goofball. When I’m not crafting compelling content, you can find me trying out new recipes or binge-watching my favorite TV shows.”
Highlight Your Expertise and Achievements
Using first person can help you take ownership of your accomplishments and showcase your expertise. It’s an effective way to establish credibility and build trust with your audience.
Example: “I’m a certified life coach, dedicated to helping individuals achieve their goals and live their best lives. With over 10 years of experience, I’ve worked with clients from all walks of life, guiding them towards success and fulfillment.”
The Case Against Writing a Bio in First Person
While first-person bios can be engaging and personal, they may not be suitable for every situation. Here are some scenarios where writing a bio in third person might be more appropriate:
Maintain Professional Distance
In formal or corporate settings, a third-person bio can help maintain a level of professionalism and objectivity. It’s often used in academic, scientific, or executive environments where a more formal tone is required.
Example: “Dr. Jane Smith is a renowned expert in her field, with over 20 years of experience in research and development. She has published numerous papers and has received several awards for her contributions to the scientific community.”
Avoid Coming Across as Self-Promotional
First-person bios can sometimes come across as self-promotional or arrogant, especially if not done tactfully. Third-person bios can help you appear more humble and focused on the work rather than yourself.
Example: “John Doe is a seasoned marketing professional, with a proven track record of delivering successful campaigns. He is dedicated to staying at the forefront of industry trends and best practices.”
Use in Formal or Traditional Settings
Third-person bios are often used in formal or traditional settings, such as:
- Academic or scholarly environments
- Corporate or business settings
- Government or official websites
- Traditional media, such as newspapers or magazines
When to Use a Hybrid Approach
What if you want to inject some personality into your bio, but still maintain a level of professionalism? Consider using a hybrid approach, where you write your bio in first person, but use a more formal tone and avoid overly personal details.
Example: “As a seasoned marketing professional, I’ve had the privilege of working with top brands and delivering successful campaigns. I’m passionate about staying at the forefront of industry trends and best practices, and I’m committed to helping my clients achieve their goals.”
Best Practices for Writing a Bio in First Person
If you’ve decided to write your bio in first person, here are some best practices to keep in mind:
Be Authentic and Honest
Your bio should reflect your personality, values, and passions. Be authentic and honest, but also avoid oversharing or coming across as too casual.
Keep it Concise and Scannable
Your bio should be easy to read and scan. Break up long paragraphs into shorter sentences, and use bullet points or numbered lists when appropriate.
Use Active Voice and Verbs
Using active voice and verbs can help you appear more dynamic and engaging. Instead of saying “I’m a writer,” say “I write about topics that fascinate me.”
Avoid Jargon and Technical Terms
Your bio should be accessible to a wide audience. Avoid using jargon or technical terms that might confuse or alienate your readers.
Proofread and Edit
Finally, proofread and edit your bio carefully. A single typo or grammatical error can undermine your credibility and professionalism.
Conclusion
Whether to write a bio in first person or third person ultimately depends on the context, purpose, and tone you want to convey. While first-person bios can be engaging and personal, third-person bios can help maintain a level of professionalism and objectivity. By considering the pros and cons of each approach, you can craft a bio that showcases your personality, expertise, and achievements, while also resonating with your audience.
What is the main difference between writing a bio in first person and third person?
Writing a bio in first person means using “I” and “me” to refer to the subject, while writing in third person uses “he,” “she,” and “they.” The first-person approach can create a sense of immediacy and intimacy, making the reader feel like they’re having a conversation with the person. On the other hand, the third-person approach can come across as more formal and objective.
The choice between first and third person ultimately depends on the context and purpose of the bio. If you’re writing a bio for a personal website or social media profile, first person might be more suitable. However, if you’re writing a bio for a company website or a formal publication, third person might be more appropriate.
Can I use both first person and third person in a bio?
Technically, yes, you can use both first person and third person in a bio, but it’s not always the best approach. Switching back and forth between “I” and “he/she” can be confusing and disrupt the flow of the text. If you do decide to use both, make sure to use one perspective consistently throughout each paragraph or section to avoid confusion.
That being said, there are some cases where using both first and third person might be necessary. For example, if you’re writing a bio that includes quotes from the person, you might use first person for the quotes and third person for the rest of the bio. In this case, make sure to use clear transitions and formatting to distinguish between the two perspectives.
Is it more professional to write a bio in third person?
Traditionally, writing a bio in third person has been seen as more professional and objective. It can create a sense of distance and authority, which can be beneficial in certain contexts, such as academia or business. Third person can also make the subject seem more impressive and accomplished.
However, this doesn’t mean that first person can’t be professional. In fact, many modern bios and about pages are written in first person, and it’s become more accepted as a way to showcase personality and authenticity. Ultimately, what matters most is the tone and content of the bio, not the perspective.
Can I use first person in a bio for a business or company website?
While third person might be more traditional for business bios, first person can be effective in certain contexts. If you’re the founder or owner of a small business, using first person can help create a sense of connection and personality. It can also make your brand seem more approachable and relatable.
That being said, if you’re writing a bio for a larger company or a more formal industry, third person might be a safer bet. It’s ultimately up to you to decide what tone and perspective best fit your brand and audience.
How do I decide which perspective to use for my bio?
The key is to consider your audience and purpose. Ask yourself what tone you want to convey and what kind of relationship you want to establish with your reader. If you’re writing for a personal website or social media profile, first person might be more suitable. If you’re writing for a company website or formal publication, third person might be more appropriate.
You should also consider your personal brand and the image you want to project. If you’re a creative or entrepreneur, first person can help showcase your personality and authenticity. If you’re in a more formal or traditional industry, third person might be a better fit.
Can I change the perspective of my bio depending on the context?
Yes, you can definitely change the perspective of your bio depending on the context. In fact, it’s common to have multiple versions of your bio for different purposes. You might have a first-person bio for your personal website and a third-person bio for your company website or LinkedIn profile.
The key is to adapt your tone and perspective to fit the audience and purpose of each context. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try out different approaches to see what works best for you and your brand.
Is it okay to write my bio in first person if I’m not the one publishing it?
If someone else is publishing your bio, such as a publicist or marketer, it’s generally more common to write it in third person. This is because third person can create a sense of objectivity and authority, which can be beneficial for promotional materials or press releases.
However, if you’re comfortable with it, you can still provide a first-person bio and ask the publisher to adapt it to fit their needs. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide how you want to present yourself and your brand.