Style, Diction, Tone, and Voice Understanding and Evaluating Word Choice LITERACY STATION INSPIRATIONwww.literacystationinspiration.com

Style ●Style is the way in which something is written, as opposed to the meaning of what is written. ●In writing, however, the two are very closely linked. ●As the package for the meaning of the text, style influences the reader’s impression of the information in a text. Style includes diction and tone. ●The main goal in considering style how the text is presented in a manner appropriate for both the audience and the purpose of the writing.

Most of the big shore places were closed now and there were hardly any lights except the shadowy, moving glow of a ferryboat across the Sound. Most of the enormous seaside locations were shut now and there were barely any beams except the faint, transitory radiance of a ferryboat across the Sound.

Diction ●Diction is word choice. ●Writers use vocabulary suited for the type of document. Words that have almost the same denotation (dictionary meaning) can have very different connotations (implied meanings).

Synonyms with Different Meanings? Kind of... Connotations are versions of words with variations in meanings. I moved away from the traffic. I avoided the traffic. I barely missed the traffic.

Synonyms with Different Meanings? Let’s take a look at this Flocabulary video to help us better understand connotations.

Diction (Word Choice) Writers use different versions of the same words or phrases to convey a mood or connect with an audience. Example: Formal Diction Casual Diction (Informal) Slang (very informal) are not angryaren't mad ain't ticked

Diction (Word Choice) Words or phrases that are used primarily in a specific line of work or profession are called technical vocabulary. Example: People who work in the steel industry often use words like "Rockwell", "Olsen", "cup test", and "camber". These words have special meanings pertaining to the manufacture of steel.

Diction (Word Choice) Label each sentence as technical, formal, or informal based on its diction. 1. Notice the impedance of the surge capacitor before using. 2. It is vital to understand the text one reads. 3. · Computers are a pain in the neck. 4. The Mona Lisa looks weird from up close. 5. Pickett’s charge at the Battle of Gettysburg was an awe- inspiring sight.

Diction (Word Choice) Besides the level of formality, also consider positive or negative connotations of the words chosen. Example: Negative Connotation Denotation (literal meaning, no specific emotion implied) Positive Connotation slashing the bushes cutting the bushes pruning the bushes the politician’s spinthe politician’s view the politician’s stance

In each example, decide the connotation of the word in italics. Circle P for positive or N for negative. On the line, write the context clues that reveal the connotation. Use the hints! Connotations 1. In the current soft economic climate, investors are extremely cautious about where they put their money. P or N ________________________ Hint: Soft can mean “mild” (+) or “unstable” (-) 2. The student skipped too many items on the test. P or N ________________________ Hint: Skipped can mean “to leap over” (+) or “omit” (-) 3. One of Ms. Zayas’s greatest assets as a teacher is her sensitivity to her students’ needs. P or N ________________________ Hint: Sensitivity can mean “responsiveness” (+) or “touchiness” (-)

Connotations In the following sentences, choose between the words in parentheses to make the sentence have as negative a connotation as possible. 1. The leader was his nation’s most (notorious, well-known, famous) advocate. 2. Immigrants (traveled, flocked, swarmed) to the large cities. 3. · A (trim, gaunt, slender) woman entered the room. 4. Where did you find that (get-up, attire, outfit)?

Tone ●Aside from individual word choice, the overall tone, or attitude, of a piece of writing should be appropriate to the audience and purpose. The tone may be objective or subjective, logical or emotional, intimate or distant, serious or humorous.

Tone ●Writers must adapt to the audience. This means their writing should change to suit the occasion. ●A news article is written seriously and direct. ●An opinion piece may be accusatory. ●A speech may be inspiring and energized.

Tone Dear Editor, I am writing in response to last week’s article titled Save-Mart Boosts Local Economy. As a Newtown resident, I see first-hand the effects of this big business. Before the retail giant came to our quiet community, Newtown was a pleasant place to live. Now our streets are congested with traffic, local stores are losing business, and out-of-towners are crowding our once-quaint community. Your article only pointed out the money being made. You need to address the real issues at hand, and listen to the complaints of the residents! Sincerely, Roy G. Biv

Tone vs. Voice ●Voice is something that makes your writing sound unique or original. ●A personal conversation with a friend differs from a speech given to a large group of strangers. ●Just as you speak to different people in different ways yet remain yourself, so the tone of your writing can vary with the situation while the voice -- the essential, individual thoughts and expression -- is still your own.

Tone vs. Voice These two musicians expressed the same thought in their own unique voices: “Don’t play what’s there; play what’s not there.” - Miles Davis, American jazz musician “The notes I handle no better than many pianists. But the pauses between the notes— ah, that is where the art resides.” - Artur Schnabel (1882–1951), German-born U.S. pianist.

Diction The following paragraph has several inconsistencies in its style. Correct the inconsistencies. When writing a term paper, the one thing you’ve got to remember is to use authoritative sources. These are vital if the paper is to persuade the intended audience. Reliable sources can be found everywhere from the library down the street to the internet. Internet sources must be used cautiously, since some sites are just run by wackos; nonetheless, some sites do provide quality information. Once the writer has found her sources, she must remember to cite them properly in order to avoid plagiarism. Plagiarism is bad. Citation styles vary across the disciplines, but they can usually be figured out with a proper style manual.

Analogies Much like figurative language, analogies focus on relationships among words or ideas. Example: dough is to pizza crust as tree is to paper Also written: dough : pizza crust :: tree : paper Order is important in analogies. For example, car: street :: ________________ A. tracks : trainB. ship: ocean

Analogies Fill in the Analogies Chart on your handout

Analogies

Any Questions? Now time for Cooperative Practice

Content for this presentation has been borrowed and adapted from Wheaton College,