Many beginning writers feel comfortable with their personal experiences and use the 'I / me / my' first person writing style. Using the first person point of view in a formal, knowledge article is like wearing sneakers with a tuxedo. Neither is appropriate.

Helium readers want accurate information. They look to Helium writers for knowledgeable articles and insist on credibility. When an author chooses to write in the first person, the reader sees the face of the writer staring back at them, facts pushed into the background, instead of the objective presentation readers and Helium expect.

Good writers understand the need for objectivity. Experienced knowledge writers distance themselves, their feelings, and their personality from their writing and allow the facts to speak for themselves. Experienced knowledge writers know that what's being said is more important than who is saying it.

The third person point of view, separates the writer from the material, strengthens the argument and lends credibility. In fact, third person point of view is a traditional requirement for formal, technical and academic writing.

Does this mean third person Helium articles should be devoid of life, written in stiff academic style? Not at all.

A well written, third person knowledge article can capture a reader, hold their interest and vibrate with life. It's not difficult. The secrets are active voice, sentence rhythm and word economy.

Academic writing can be stiff because it's a formal rather than a conversational style, not because it uses the third person point of view. Internet readers won't sit still for this kind of verbiage.

Good writers use active, energetic verbs to engage the reader and move the article along. Active voice encourages word economy. Varying the length of sentences gives an article rhythm and helps bring it to life.

Instructional and how-to articles, where the writer takes on the role of teacher, can work well with the second person point of view. The word 'you' can be the most powerful word in the English language when used in the right context. The second person point of view puts the focus on the reader and how the information applies to them. The writer never overshadows the reader or their self-interest.

Knowledge articles written from the first person point of view don't belong, don't fare well in the ratings and stunt the growth of beginning writers.

The first person point of view may be well suited for casual email correspondence, and blogging, but like sneakers at a formal wedding, inappropriate for serious, knowledge-based Helium articles.

Learn more about this author, John McDevitt.
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