Spencer Lanoue
Writing a paper in third person might feel like learning a new language, but it's an essential skill for crafting polished, professional documents. If you've ever puzzled over how to remove "I" and "me" from your writing, you're in the right place. In this blog post, we’ll break down the steps to mastering third-person writing, complete with practical tips and examples to guide you along the way.
Why Third Person? Understanding the Perspective
Writing in third person might not come naturally if you're used to expressing yourself personally in writing. But stepping into this perspective is key for many types of writing, including academic papers, reports, and professional documents. But why is third person so important?
Third person adds a layer of professionalism and objectivity. It distances the writer from the text, which can make arguments and information appear more credible and less biased. Think about it. When you read a research paper that says, "The study indicates..." it feels more authoritative than "I found that..." doesn't it?
Here's a quick example to illustrate:
First Person: "I believe the results of the experiment are conclusive."
Third Person: "The results of the experiment are deemed conclusive."
In the third-person version, the focus shifts from the writer to the subject matter, making the statement sound more objective.
Getting Started: Choosing Your Third-Person Perspective
Before you start writing, it helps to decide which type of third person you'll use. There are three main types:
- Third-Person Omniscient: The narrator knows everything about all the characters and events in the story. This perspective offers a god-like view.
- Third-Person Limited: The narrator knows only what a single character knows. This perspective provides insight into one character's thoughts and experiences.
- Third-Person Objective: The narrator tells the story without delving into characters' thoughts or feelings. This perspective sticks to observable actions and dialogue.
Choosing the right perspective depends on your purpose. Academic papers often use third-person objective to maintain neutrality, while third-person limited might be more suitable for character-driven narratives.
Crafting the Outline: Staying on Course
Once you've settled on your perspective, it's time to plan your paper. Outlining might not be the most exciting step, but it's a crucial one. A well-structured outline helps you stay organized and ensures you cover all necessary points without drifting back into first person.
When outlining, clearly define your thesis statement and the main points you'll cover. Use topic sentences for each section that reinforce your thesis and maintain the third-person perspective. Here's a simple example:
Thesis: "The impact of social media on communication skills is multifaceted and profound."
I. Introduction
A. Definition of social media
B. Importance of communication skills
II. Positive Effects of Social Media
A. Enhanced connectivity
B. Opportunities for learning
III. Negative Effects of Social Media
A. Decline in face-to-face interactions
B. Impact on attention span
IV. Conclusion
A. Summary of findings
B. Implications for future communication
Notice how each section clearly supports the thesis without shifting to the writer's personal opinions.
Writing the Introduction: Setting the Stage
The introduction sets the tone for your entire paper. It's your chance to hook the reader and provide a roadmap of what's to come. In third person, you'll want to keep the focus on the subject matter rather than yourself.
A strong introduction might look like this:
"Social media has revolutionized the way individuals connect and communicate in the modern era. While it offers numerous benefits, such as increased connectivity and access to information, it also poses challenges to traditional communication skills. This paper examines the dual impact of social media on communication, exploring both its positive and negative effects."
In this example, the focus remains on social media and its effects, without personal opinions or experiences.
Developing Body Paragraphs: Maintaining Objectivity
When writing the body of your paper, each paragraph should begin with a clear topic sentence that ties back to your thesis. This is where the bulk of your research and analysis will take place.
To maintain a third-person perspective, use evidence and examples to support your points, and avoid personal anecdotes. Here's a sample paragraph:
"One of the primary benefits of social media is its ability to enhance connectivity among individuals. According to Smith (2023), social media platforms have bridged geographical gaps, allowing people to maintain relationships over long distances. This increased connectivity has been particularly beneficial for maintaining family ties and long-distance friendships."
Notice how the paragraph relies on external sources and evidence, rather than personal opinion, to support its claims.
Using Pronouns Wisely: Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Pronouns can be tricky in third-person writing, especially if you're used to first-person narratives. Here are some tips to keep your pronouns in check:
- Avoid first-person pronouns: Replace "I," "me," and "my" with third-person pronouns like "he," "she," "they," or use the subject's name.
- Be consistent: Stick to the same type of third-person perspective throughout your paper to avoid confusion.
- Use plural pronouns for general statements: Instead of "one should," use "people should" or "individuals should."
Here's an example of replacing first-person pronouns:
First Person: "I found that the results were inconclusive."
Third Person: "The results were found to be inconclusive."
By removing personal pronouns, the statement becomes more objective.
Integrating Sources: Citing Without Personal Bias
Incorporating sources is a crucial part of academic and professional writing. But how do you do that without slipping into first person? Stick to reporting the information while attributing it to the original author.
Here's how you might integrate a source:
"Research by Johnson (2022) indicates that social media usage can lead to a decline in face-to-face interactions among teenagers. This finding is supported by additional studies that highlight a decrease in social skills as screen time increases."
In this example, the source is credited without the writer's personal judgment interfering with the information presented.
Crafting a Compelling Conclusion: Wrapping It Up
Your conclusion is your last chance to make an impression, so make it count. Summarize the key points of your paper and reinforce your thesis without introducing new information.
A well-crafted conclusion might look like this:
"In conclusion, while social media provides valuable opportunities for connectivity and information sharing, it also poses challenges to traditional communication skills. By understanding and addressing these challenges, individuals and educators can work towards fostering a balanced approach to communication in the digital age."
The conclusion ties everything together, reiterating the main points and the thesis without personal opinions.
Editing and Revising: Keeping It Consistent
Once your first draft is complete, it's time to edit and revise. This step is crucial for catching any slips into first person and ensuring a consistent third-person perspective throughout your paper.
Read through your paper carefully, checking for:
- Consistency: Ensure that your perspective doesn't shift between different types of third person.
- Pronoun usage: Double-check that all first-person pronouns are removed.
- Clarity and conciseness: Trim any unnecessary words or phrases to keep your writing clear and focused.
For editing help, consider using a tool like Spell. It can streamline the revision process, helping you spot errors and refine your writing quickly.
Practicing Third Person: Building Your Skills
Like any skill, writing in third person improves with practice. Here are a few exercises to help you get comfortable with this perspective:
- Rewrite a first-person story: Take a piece you've written in first person and rewrite it in third person.
- Analyze third-person texts: Read academic papers or professional articles written in third person and identify how the perspective shapes the writing.
- Practice switching perspectives: Write a short paragraph in first person, then rewrite it in third person to see the differences.
With regular practice, writing in third person will become second nature.
Final Thoughts
Writing in third person doesn't have to be daunting. With a bit of practice and the right tools, you can craft clear, professional papers that stand out. If you're looking for a way to make the process even smoother, consider trying out Spell. It can take your writing from good to great in no time.
