Messaging, proposition & voice · Core
Tone
Also called: communication tone
ELI5
The situational emotional manner used in a specific communication.
Used in conversation
“Can we make tone specific enough that another team could use it correctly?”
Pitch context
You will see “Tone” in brand decks, campaign plans, research reports and performance reviews when the discussion reaches messaging, proposition & voice.
Why it matters: In messaging, proposition & voice, a loose definition can change rights, obligations, approval, disclosure or enforceability.
Caution
Meaning, enforceability and required process vary by jurisdiction and agreement; this definition is not legal advice.
Sources & evidence · 5
Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.
- American Marketing Association — Definitions of Marketing and BrandDirect source · institutional · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Federal Trade Commission — Advertising and Marketing GuidanceDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- Google Analytics Help — Google Analytics dimensions and metricsSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- Google Ads Help — Google Ads metrics and reportingSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- Interactive Advertising Bureau — Measurement guidelines and standardsSupporting source family · institutional · checked 2026-08-16