Style

1. Style Technical Editing

2. Style • “Choices about diction and sentence structure that affect comprehension and emphasis as well as projecting a voice or persona.” (Rude 460)

3. Style • Diction – “the choice of words used in writing and speech” (Handbook 134) • Sentence structure – “Sentences generally flow from a subject to a verb to any objects, complements, or modifiers, but they can be ordered in a variety of ways to achieve emphasis” (Handbook 509)

4. Style - Diction • Mark Twain once said, “The difference between the right word and almost the right word is the difference between ‘lightening’ and ‘lightening bug.’ (Handbook 582) • It was a productive meeting. • (what does that mean?)

5. Style - Diction • The meeting helped both sides understand each other’s positions. • (Better, clearly describes the meeting) • Resignation letter • I am submitting my resignation effective (date); it has been an experience working for you.

6. Style - Sentence Structure • Place the subject and verb near the beginning • See Rude 259 for a delayed subject • Prefer S-V-O or S-V-C word order • See Rude 259 • Use appropriate sentence length • See Rude 259-260

7. Style - Sentence Structure • Use “actors” in sentences • Rude 260-261 • Prefer positive constructions • Rude 261 Exercise – “Clear and Concise” and “Deadwood”

8. Organization • The most important part of this chapter (17) is the discussion of grouping related material • Homework (D&A 6, 302) compare

9. Visual Design • Contrast • Repetition • Alignment • Proximity • C. R. A. P. http://edweb.sdsu.edu/courses/edtec470/graphics/carp/