How to Write with Empathy

If the world operated with more empathy, there would be less wars, less violence, and less suffering. Empathy is so important, because it allows us to understand others' thoughts and feelings, and therefore relate to them and respond meaningfully to their needs. When we operate with empathy, we are showing others we care about them. And that's powerful. It's powerful, because it makes people feel seen, and when people feel seen, they feel valued. This value empowers each person to act positively. 

That's why writing with empathy is the key to connecting with your audience and building a relationship with them. So let's talk about how to write with empathy in 3 important ways.

Who is your target audience?

You'll probably hear me talk about this a lot (or see me write about it a lot). I even discussed this in my last post. But knowing who you're talking to is key. And be specific about who your audience is. Sometimes we try to cast the net too wide, but when you're trying to speak to everyone, you wind up not speaking to anyone. It becomes very generalized and your audience doesn't know or feel you are speaking to them. People tend to fear being too specific, and sure you may alienate some people, but the people you will connect with will hear you and feel seen by you.
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Speak to their pain points with re-traumatizing them

Once you're clear on who you're speaking to, it's time to identify their pain points. The balance I find that people sometimes miss is going too heavy on the negativity. When I'm reading someone's email or sales page, I don't want to be re-traumatized by my own pain or feel the weight of my stress and worries even heavier. Sometimes people try too hard to relate that they sound whiny and desperate instead of empathetic. There's a real art to making sure people feel seen and heard, and that you understand their struggles, while maintaining overall positivity.
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Less about you, more about them

One common mistake many business owners make when selling a product or service, and promoting their business, is making it all about themselves. It seems natural to want to talk about how great your product or service is and and really selling yourself and what you want them to buy. But it's important to make it less about you and more about them. You should be focusing on making your audience feel seen and heard, and how your product or service benefits them. Remember, understand their pain points and show them you not only understand their needs, but you have a solution for them.


These are 3 important ways to make sure you're writing with empathy and building a genuine connection with your audience 🎈.

If you'd like to work together on writing more empathetically, please feel free to reach out and schedule a call.

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