Chuck Thompson was editorial director at CNNGo as it grew from a brand new lifestyle content experiment into one of the world's most popular travel websites. He achieved this by injecting 'voice' into the content and enlisting and/or training writers to did the same with their stories. Here's what that means, and how writers can use voice to inject personality into their writing.

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Travel Writing Insights: Finding Your Voice with Chuck Thompson

What is "Voice" in Travel Writing? [00:13:22 - 00:16:44 ] Chuck Thompson defines voice as the personality you bring to your writing. Key takeaways include: Write as if you're talking to friends, not your grandparents Think of it like your "pub talk" - a slightly cleaned-up version of how you naturally communicate Voice is about being authentic while still maintaining professionalism

The Evolution of Travel Writing [00:05:31 - 00:07:45 ] Thompson highlights two major types of travel writing: Narrative/Experiential Writing Traditional style of describing exotic destinations Sharing personal experiences and observations Less common in modern media

Service Journalism Practical information for travelers How to book flights, find hotels, discover local cuisine More prevalent in digital media

Developing Your Writing Voice [00:18:29 - 00:20:08 ] Tips for Emerging Travel Writers: Read widely and absorb different writing styles Don't simply imitate other writers Find your unique perspective Be willing to adapt to publication styles Use opinions to engage readers

Practical Advice [00:22:54 - 00:25:12 ] Most travel writing ends up being service-oriented Publications care more about their brand voice than your personal style Be prepared to edit and adjust your writing to fit different platforms

Unique Approach at CNN Go [00:09:51 - 00:11:42 ] Thompson pioneered a more conversational, irreverent style of travel writing at CNN Go, focusing on: Personality-driven content Engaging, sometimes provocative perspectives Creating dialogue with readers

Final Insight [00:22:20 - 00:22:54 ] Voice isn't about being outrageous—it's about being authentic, engaging, and providing value to your readers while showing your unique personality. Pro Tip: Think of voice as simply "personality on the page" - how would you naturally tell a story to your friends?

Chuck Thompson: https://chuckthompson.com/

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