Great writeup, but I don't agree, 3rd person should be the way to go.

Ya, 1st person really substracts from that sense of "official" that white papers MUST, imho, have :)

I don't see how anyone could read a white paper written in first person without feeling that the content is the writer's opinion or a creative interpretation of the facts.

Even though the business world is more casual than it used to be, having a more formal business-like approach will set the paper apart and make it sound authoritative.

I actually think a touch of this doesn't hurt if you are an entrprenuer trying to establish your own personal self worth and opinion. It's important to establish who you are and your background, if only for a paragraph...and then go back to 3rd person.

If you are writing the opinion of a larger party or company, then 3rd person is the way to go.

Hmm yeah as much as first person is a great way to make something seem more personal and conversational, I don’t think it plays a very fitting role in a official document, as it makes it seem less important, less official if you may.

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By tradition, white papers have something of an official air to them, writing them in anything else than 3rd person would rob them of it. Dunno, it just seems to me that there's an added je ne sais quoi in using a serious style :)

Mike,

First person instantly changes the white paper from an objective, eductional and disarming piece into a propaganda-laden opinion piece. Even if the piece was in first-person but written well, it would preclude the author from getting any pick up as a byline article. One of the benefits of educational white papers is that they are perfect for acceptance as byline articles by your industry's publications.

Ryan Malone
@ryanmalone
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Hello Michael,
I think white papers can be written in first person. Communication needs to be simple, direct, transparent.

Just my opinion...

Hi Mike:

You and Jonathan have been at this the longest--but there are quite a few other good opinions here as to why white papers should be in 3rd person versus 1st--not the least of which is credibility.

I remember having this discussion at the White Paper Success Summit, particularly around the idea that the term "white paper" is used too much these days to represent articles or glorified brochures and fact sheets. I think using first person muddies the waters even more, don't you?

The last thing we need when marketing services as white paper experts is another blurred edge.

Great question . . . but, I believe it has to be 3rd person. 1st person is too subjective. I go for the more objective sounding 3rd person.

To parlay on what Peter Jacobs wrote, "Is the white paper about you or the reader?"

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Yes, it's a good thought, but I'm strongly inclined agree with all of the comments above. As a reader, I like to believe it's the organization's thinking that's behind the content, and not just one individual's.

And, does the content become less meaningful when the writer leaves the organization? People move around a lot these days.

Peter

J.D. hits on an important point. First person adds an editorial voice to the paper.

It's true that social media relies on first person voice but the central element of all social media is the "conversation." A white paper can be further extended using social media channels by providing a basis for discussion.

However, take it out of the third person and the tone changes. The discussion/debate now focuses on the author and not the information provided.

Jim
www.whitepapersolution.com

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I like conversational, but I think whitepapers are about sharing facts over opinions.

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Hi Mike! My vote to your question is 'No'. Reason not to write a white paper in first person: In order to avoid making it sound like the content in the white papers is one's own opinion.

Good question, Mike. But I think most of the white paper should be written in the third person with personal anecdotes, etc. in the first person. Mix it up and keep the interest.

Hope that helps.

I think if it is in first person it ceases to be a white paper and becomes something else, a special report, ebook, etc. White paper says to me something more formal and board-room friendly, whereas making it more conversational might achieve similar aims but is less likely to go down well in certain environments.

Perhaps that is the key - make it audience-appropriate and test?

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Hi Mike,

While first person may be acceptable for Social Media that fosters a more intimate or personal dialog, I believe that business communications such as white papers require a professional third-person voice.

During my years working in the corporate sector, it was frowned upon to publish white papers in anything other than third person. I was understood that third person builds greater credibility with the reader by presenting information in a hands off, 'storytelling' fashion. Third person also makes it easier to include third-party facts and statistics, a key part of a good white paper that further enhances white paper credibility.

The inclusion of a first person voice lends itself to the impression of personal opinion and hence, a more biased viewpoint. Frankly, in my opinion, it also smacks of greater ego-gratification and arrogance. When I read a white paper that is written in first person, I think to myself that the author must think very highly of themselves. I wonder if other readers think the same. I suspect that many do.

My two cents worth (actually more like a nickel at this point).

Jonathan

Hi Michael,

An interesting question. I'm inclined to say "no" to writing in the first person. True, white papers are not the technical documents they once were, but they should still maintain a certain objectivity. I think writing in the first person would destroy that. There is also a danger that the paper may become more about the writer than the issue at hand. That's my take, but I'm interested to know what others think.

- Joyce