The “I” in the Storm: Mastering the First Person Point of View in Writing

Here’s a question for you. In a sea of AI generated slop, how do you make your brand’s voice stand out? How do you cut through the noise and forge a genuine connection with your audience?

The answer might be simpler than you think: by getting personal! This is where the first person point of view comes in.

While we’re often taught to avoid “I” in formal writing, the first person is a powerful tool in the world of business and copywriting. It allows you to build trust, establish authority, and create a sense of intimacy that is difficult to achieve with other narrative voices. But what is the first person point of view, exactly? And how can you use it to make your writing more compelling and persuasive?

This guide will provide a clear first person point of view definition, explore classic examples, and delve into the nuances of using this perspective in a business context. You’ll learn what first person point of view means for your brand, your tone of voice, and how to use it to your advantage.

What is the First Person Point of View?

The first person point of view definition is simple: it’s a narrative mode where the story is told from the perspective of a character within the story. This is achieved through the use of first-person pronouns: I, me, my, we, and our.

In a first-person narrative, the reader experiences the events of the story through the eyes of the narrator. We are privy to their thoughts, feelings, and interpretations of the world around them. This creates a sense of immediacy and intimacy, as if we are being told a story by a close friend or confidant.

First Person vs. Other Points of View

To fully understand the first person, it’s helpful to compare it to the other main points of view:

While second person point of view and third person point of view have their own strengths, the first person offers a unique opportunity to connect with your audience on a personal level. This is why it’s such a valuable tool for businesses and copywriters.

The First Person Point of View in Literature

In literature, the first person point of view is a popular choice for authors who want to create a strong sense of voice and character. A classic first person point of view example is Herman Melville’s Moby Dick:

“Call me Ishmael.”

With this simple opening line, Melville immediately establishes a personal connection between the narrator and the reader. We are invited into Ishmael’s world and are prepared to experience his epic journey through his eyes. 

Other famous examples include J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye and Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre (a personal favourite). In each of these novels, the first-person narrator provides a unique and intimate perspective on the events of the story.

Why the First Person Point of View is Vital in Copywriting

Now, let’s turn our attention to the world of business and marketing. If the first person is so effective at creating a personal connection in literature, it should come as no surprise that it’s also a powerful tool for copywriters. Here’s why:

1. It Builds Trust and Authenticity

In our age of skepticism, consumers are looking for brands they can trust. 

The first person point of view can help you build that trust by putting a human face on your business. When you use “I” or “we,” you’re not just a faceless corporation; you’re a group of real people with a story to tell.

2. It Establishes Authority and Expertise

The first person is a powerful way to establish your authority and expertise in a given field. 

When you share your own experiences, insights, and opinions, you’re demonstrating your knowledge and building credibility with your audience. This is particularly effective in blog posts, white papers, and other forms of content marketing.

3. It Creates an Emotional Connection

People don’t buy products; they buy feelings. 

The first person point of view allows you to tap into the power of emotion by sharing personal stories and experiences. When you’re vulnerable and authentic with your audience, you create a bond that goes beyond a simple transaction.

4. It’s perfect for storytelling

Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools in a copywriter’s arsenal. The first person is the natural voice for storytelling, as it allows you to share your brand’s story in a personal and engaging way. Whether you’re telling the story of how your company was founded or sharing a customer success story, the first person can help you bring that story to life.

First Person Point of View Examples in Copywriting

Here are a few examples of how the first person point of view can be used in different copywriting contexts:

About Us Page:

Your website is not always an easy place to include the first person point of view in copywriting — it’s always worth remembering that your readers aren’t bothered about you! They care about themselves, not your story.

However, an about us page is a great place to share your story from the first person perspective. At this time, remember that you want the customer’s story to still remain front and center, so position your story as the story that elevates and lifts up your customer. 

You might want to say something like:

“We started this company because we were tired of seeing people struggle with their finances. We knew there had to be a better way, so we set out to create a simple, intuitive platform that would help people take control of their money and build a brighter future.”

Blog Post:

I often like to write blog posts in the first person, as I think it adds a bit more to my own experience. As an agency owner, I want to position myself as a thought leader in this space, so my own voice is important to share. 

Here’s an example from one of my recent articles:

“Back when I entered the agency world, I never, not in a million years, thought that hiring would be the hardest part. Boy, was I wrong.

Fast forward to 2025, about 20+ shoddy team members and $50,000 in wasted spend later, and I can confidently say that finding a team you can rely on is the most critical part of scaling an agency business.”

Email Newsletter:

My wonderful friend Natalie over at Nouvel Age Media writes a fantastic newsletter, Happy Marketing, and it’s all in her distinctive, first person tone of voice. 

Natalie uses the first person here to really build a connection with her audience, and I think she does a fantastic job. Her emails feel less salesy and more ‘chatting to your bestie’ which is always a brilliant way into your customers’ hearts. Check out a sample here.

In each of these examples, the first person is used to create a personal, authentic, and engaging message. The copy speaks from the heart, and it invites the reader to be a part of the conversation, building something that’s rare in our world of AI generated copy: trust and authenticity.

Finding Your Voice

So, what is the first person point of view? 

It’s a powerful tool for building trust, establishing authority, and creating a personal connection with your audience. By sharing your own stories, insights, and experiences, you can transform your writing from a monologue into a dialogue.

Of course, the first person isn’t the right choice for every situation. There are times when a more objective, third-person perspective is more appropriate. 

But when you want to connect with your audience on a human level, the first person is hard to beat. So don’t be afraid to use “I” and “we” in your writing. Your audience will thank you for it!

Psst – need help putting pen to paper? If your business is on the hunt for expert writers you can count on, book a free consultation today. It’s not a sales call, just a friendly chat about how written content can help you grab more leads.