Presented by Ayo Opeyemi, Taylore Roth, Andrew McFarland, and Lexi Harman

Lesson Objectives By the end of the presentation students will be able to...  Discern between the associated emotional overtones of words and their literal definition: connotation and denotation  Evaluate when to use informal and formal language  Write and speak using clear and concise language

Aspects of Diction Diction is defined as the author’s choice of words. "Diction will be effective only when the words you choose are appropriate for the audience and purpose, when they convey your message accurately and comfortably.” ~(Martha Kolln, Rhetorical Grammar. Allyn and Bacon, 1999) It is important to note that there is not a definitively correct diction in the English language. However, it is important to be cognizant of how different words and phrases match with certain contexts.

Connotation The associated or secondary meaning of a word or expression in addition to its explicit or primary meaning.  The prevailing emotions associated with a word  COLORED WORDS  Examples  Mother, home, liberty, fireside, contentment, patriot, tenderness.  Odor, mother-in-law, slums, sauntered, communist, blistering, scorching.

Denotation The explicit or direct meaning or set of meanings of a word.  This means that the emotional overtone of the word or expression is removed.  Example:  The denotation of the word buttress is an external support.

Informal vs. Formal Specific expressions entail a tone of formality that may give the reader a certain pretense concerning the speaker or subject. Some words make people think your tone is pretty chill and informal…yo. This greatly affects ethos.

Specific vs. Vague The speaker may want the audience to know only a certain amount about a subject so may choose to use vague phrases. If a speaker wishes to expound in great detail he or she will use words that are specific and precise.  Vague Examples:  While walking in the woods, I saw an animal.  Someone decided to run for Congress.  Specific Examples:  While walking in the woods, I saw a baby skunk.  Rebecca decided to run for Congress.

Concise Language Concise writing says what it has to say in a few words as possible. Too often, writers use words and phrases that add nothing to a sentence’s meaning. Example: It is clear that the United States was not ready to fight World War II. The United States was not ready to fight World War II.

Practice Activity

Q and A

Sources   ction.html ction.html  Textbook: The Language of Composition: Reading, Writing, Rhetoric