1. Elements of Voice
Overview

2. Diction: the choice of words and is the foundation of voice and all good writing
Detail: refers to the facts, observations, and incidents that develop a topic.
Figurative language: is the use of words in an unusual way to reveal new meaning, meaning that is not literal and makes the reader think
Imagery: the use of words to capture a sensory experience (what you hear, see, smell, taste or touch)
Syntax: inclues sentence structure, word order, and punctuation
Tone: expression of attitude in writing.
Tone is created through the use of diction, detail, imagery, figurative language, and syntax.

3. Dead and Forbidden Words
Good
Nice
Pretty
Beautiful
Fine bad
Thing
Really
Very
Terrible
Wonderful
Amazing
A lot

4. Diction
Making a conscious choice to write the perfect word.

5. Connotation vs Denotation
Denotation isthe meaning of the word
Connotation is the meaning suggested by a word, the feeling evoked
Example
Ambitious vs Eager
Denotation: desirous of reaching a goal
Connotation:
Ambitious: has a feeling of wanting it for selfish reasons
Eager: has a feeling of enthusiasm and fresh-faced optimism

6. Diction 1
A redheaded woman was there with Trout. Kate could see her rummaging through the cabin, dumping drawers and knocking things from the shelves of cabinets. – Louise Sachar, Holes
What picture do you get in your head when you read the second sentence?
How would the meaning of the sentence change if we changed the following words:
Kate could see her searching through the cabin, emptying the drawers and taking things off the shelves of the cabinets.

7. Now, you try it
Write a sentece describing a small boy making a mess in a restaurant. Choose words that are clear, concrete, and exact.

8. Diction 2
M.C. heard him scramble and strain his way up the slope of Sarah’s mountain. – Virginia Hamilton
What does it mean to scramble and strain up a mountain? Close your eyes and try to get a picture of someone straitening up a mountain.
How would it change your mental picture if we rewrote the sentence to . . .
M.C. heard him walk up the slope of Sarah’s mountain.

9. Now you try it
Write a sentence describing someone slowly climbing up a flight of stairs. Use Hamilton’s sentence as a model.

10. Diction 3
For nearly a year, I sopped around the house, the Store, the school, and the church, like an old biscuit, dirty and inedible. Then I met, or rather got to know, the lady who threw me my first lifeline. – Maya Angelou
What is the dictionary definition of the verb sop? This word is not usually used to describe a person’s actions. What effect does this have on the reader?
What is a lifeline? How is Angelou’s use of the word different from its usual use? How does this diction effect your understanding of the sentence?

11. Now you try it
Write a sentence using the verb “ring” in a fresh and new way to capture your behavior around the house. Use Angelou’s first sentence as a model. For nearly a year, I sopped around the house, the Store, the school, and the church, like an old biscuit, dirty and inedible.