Even though this viewpoint is rarely used for books, it can be very helpful as you write articles to promote your book. Writing for the second person subjective point of view gives your readers the sense that you’re writing directly to them. Norma Youngberg calls this “the most intimate viewpoint” because this is the viewpoint used naturally when you’re writing e-mails and letters.
The second person subjective viewpoint is the favorite viewpoint for advertisers. Just look at these viral print ads from a CreativeBlog.com post from July 14, 2014. Out of 20 ads, 8 used second person subjective in their print text. Here are my favorites.
- Before your back attacks you (yoga ad)
- Find whatever floats your boat. (travel ad)
- Feeding your cat’s instincts (cat food ad)
- Turn on your adventure. (car ad)
- Stop treating your dog like a trashcan. (dog food ad)
- See the reality before it’s too late. The endangered African penguin needs your help! (conservation society ad)
- Get in touch with your inner child. And let it play in traffic. (animation festival ad)
My favorite is an Australian Metro safety ad. The text demonstrates the ‘I-You’ nature of this point of view. Australian Metro (I) is speaking directly to it’s passengers (you).
DUMB WAYS to DIE
Poke a stick at a GRIZZLY BEAR.
Set FIRE to your hair.
Use your private parts as PIRANHA bait.
RUN across train tracks ‘cuz you’re late.
BE SAFE AROUND TRAINS.
Advantage of Second Person Subjective Viewpoint
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Example #1: Second Person Subjective Point of View
For this viewpoint to be effective, I must approach it differently. In the second example, you’ll see why. If I were writing my husband about the story I shared in the first person subjective viewpoint article, it might go something like this.This content is for members only.
Limitations of Second Person Subjective Viewpoint
In the second person subjective viewpoint, you run the risk of insulting your reader. This content is for members only.
Another Limitation of Second Person Subjective Viewpoint
Let’s revisit the story about my arrival in St. Croix using the second person subjective viewpoint. See if you can catch the limitation revealed in this example.This content is for members only.
Summary
The second person subjective point of view allows a level of intimacy with your reader you cannot achieve with any other viewpoint. Yet, its use is limited to short stories, articles, advertisements and other promotional materials.
1Norma Youngberg, Creative Techniques for Christian Writers, Pacific Press, 1968, p. 52.
