Mastering the Academic Voice Balancing Authority and Humility

This writing workshop teaches graduate students how to develop a strong academic voice by balancing confident argumentation with respectful engagement with prior scholarship. Students learn strategies for avoiding common pitfalls like over-claiming or excessive hedging, building a persuasive scholarly voice, and situating their work thoughtfully within the broader academic conversation. Practical language tips and examples help writers refine their tone for theses, dissertations, and publications.

00:00 Introduction

01:14 Why Balancing Authority and Humility Matters

02:12 Signs of Excessive Humility

02:46 Strategies for Building Authority

03:13 Strategies for Maintaining Humility

03:43 Practical Language Moves

04:14 Voice Practice: Before and After

04:47 Final Thoughts on Mastering Academic Voice

05:24 Thank you! (Contact info)

This recording is paid for by the LOGRAR grant. 

CPP Graduate Resource Center - gradstudies@cpp.edu
Dr. Karen Téllez-Chaires - ktrujillo@cpp.edu