You know you've truly captured a leader's voice when they trust you to represent their thinking, even when they're not in the room. That kind of trust doesn't happen overnight.
Over a decade of writing for executives, I've learned (sometimes the hard way) a few things that might be helpful to others:
Start with the objective
Get clear on the purpose before you write. What should people walk away with? What should they feel or do? Voice matters, but alignment comes first.
Be a fly on the wall
You don't learn a leader's voice by reviewing your work with them. You learn it by knowing their work. That means being in the room for key moments like leadership meetings and decision discussions. Seeing them in action builds real insight.
Study how they think and speak
Read what they've written and listen to how they show up in speaking engagements, like panel discussions. How do they frame issues? What do they emphasize? Their voice shows up in those patterns.
Set yourself up for success
One primary communicator helps ensure consistency. That role needs space to focus, rather than squeezing it in alongside other significant responsibilities.
Know the person behind the role
Capturing a leader's voice also means knowing who they are beyond work. What are they passionate about? What are they committed to in their community? Those insights add depth and personality.
When you've got it right, the edits are few and the message feels real.