1. Formal vs. Informal Language
When to use which?
Use both knowledge and
wisdom to decide!

2. What Is Formal Language?
Is used when you want to make a good impression on people in respected positions.
You speak in a more traditional way and use longer forms of words when you want to be formal.
No contractions, slang, or text language is used (it’s, yeah!, or OMG, etc).
Is used when asking or requesting something.
Is used when making a formal complaint.

3. DICTION
Diction is word choice or choosing the correct words appropriately for each situation.
Word choice is important in establishing tone
Three levels of diction:
1. high or formal diction – formal language
2. neutral diction
3. informal or low diction – informal language

4. Use Formal Language with:
Teachers
Principals
Counselors
Neighbors
Firemen, Policemen, and other civil servants
Who else?

5. Use Formal Language with (contin.)
Formal Situations
************************
job interview
Principal’s office visit
business letter
school/class essay

6. What makes FORMAL language?
Formal language does not use contractions
Avoids personal pronouns such as: you, I, us, me, and we
Includes more polysyllabic words—BIGGER words
Uses complex and/or complete sentences
Avoids using colloquial or slang vocabulary

7. What Is Informal Language?
Is used when you talk to peers or adults whom you feel close to.
You might speak in a more relaxed way, by using slang and shorter forms of words, when you want to be informal.
You should continue to be respectful when being informal.

8. Use Informal Language with:
Your best friend and other friends
Your sister or brother
Your girlfriend or boyfriend
Your cousin, etc.
Who else?

9. Use Informal Language with: (contin.)
Informal Situations
**********************
text message
friendly letter
“locker” conversation
Journal-style writing

10. What makes INFORMAL language?
Simple grammatical structure
Personal evaluation
Colloquial or slang vocabulary

11. Informal Language Examples:Hi
Sure!
Will ya?
Ya gotta do it!
What do you want?

12. Formal Language Examples:
I would be delighted!
I certainly appreciate this.
It has been a pleasure meeting you.
Could you possibly give me a hand with this project?

13. Formal or Informal? What do you think?
You call your father at work and his boss answers the phone.
You are asking someone out on a date.
You are talking to your parents at the dinner table.
You are trying to convince the assistant principal to change the date of the detention you were given.

14. Formal Language: Body Language and Diction
Body Language Looks like:
Standing or sitting straighter than usual
Sounds like:
“Hello, Ms. Fountain”
“Please, may I…”
“It is so nice to meet you.”

15. Informal Language: Body Language and Diction
Body Language Looks like:
Standing or sitting in a relaxed position
Sounds like:
Using slang
“Hi”
“What are ya doin’?”
“What’s new?”

16. Formal vs. Informal When to use which?
Wisdom is knowing what to do next; success means using it.
David Starr Jordan