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Choosing t h e Ri g ht W ords Di c tion and Connotations

Choosing t h e Ri g ht W ords Di c tion and Connotations. Sharon Elin / CCPS Online revised 2012. Think of words as superheroes. Think of words as superheroes. They appear ordinary most of the time, but they have hidden powers. What is Diction ?.

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Choosing t h e Ri g ht W ords Di c tion and Connotations

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  1. Choosing theRight WordsDiction andConnotations Sharon Elin / CCPS Online revised 2012

  2. Think of words as superheroes.

  3. Think of words as superheroes. • They appear ordinary most of the time, but they have hidden powers.

  4. What is Diction?

  5. What is Diction? The selection of the most precise words and phrases that express a message correctly, clearly, and effectively.

  6. Diction includes…

  7. Diction includes… Grammar

  8. Diction includes… Grammar Vocabulary

  9. Diction includes… Grammar Vocabulary Sounds of words

  10. Diction includes… Grammar Vocabulary Sounds of words Tones or attitudes of words

  11. Diction includes… Grammar Vocabulary Sounds of words Tones or attitudes of words Meanings of words

  12. Dictionincludes making choices, such as …

  13. Dictionincludes making choices, such as … Active or Passive

  14. Dictionincludes making choices, such as … Active or Passive Slang orStandard

  15. Dictionincludes making choices, such as … Active or Passive Slang orStandard FormalorCasual

  16. Dictionincludes making choices, such as … Active or Passive Slang orStandard FormalorCasual Simple or Complex

  17. Dictionincludes making choices, such as … Active or Passive Slang orStandard FormalorCasual Simple or Complex Abstract or Concrete

  18. Dictionincludes making choices, such as … Active or Passive Slang orStandard FormalorCasual Simple or Complex Abstract or Concrete Connotative orDenotative

  19. Why is diction important?

  20. Why is diction important? "Your diction, the exact words you choose and the settings in which you use them, means a great deal to the success of your writing…”

  21. Why is diction important? "Your diction, the exact words you choose and the settings in which you use them, means a great deal to the success of your writing…” “While your language should be appropriate to the situation, that generally still leaves plenty of room for variety…”

  22. Why is diction important? "Your diction, the exact words you choose and the settings in which you use them, means a great deal to the success of your writing…” “While your language should be appropriate to the situation, that generally still leaves plenty of room for variety…” “Skillful writers mix words to administer a series of small but telling surprises...”

  23. Why is diction important? "Your diction, the exact words you choose and the settings in which you use them, means a great deal to the success of your writing…” “While your language should be appropriate to the situation, that generally still leaves plenty of room for variety…” “Skillful writers mix words to administer a series of small but telling surprises...” “Readers stay interested because they don't know exactly what's coming next.” (Joe Glaser, Understanding Style: Practical Ways to Improve Your Writing. Oxford Univ. Press, 1999)

  24. Expand your vocabulary to improve your diction

  25. Just as skilled artists needa palette of many colors, writers need a wide variety of words …

  26. … and writers need to harness the power of certain words to influence readers in subtle, but powerful ways.

  27. Understanding the art of using connotationsgives writers a persuasive edge.

  28. Connotation vs. Denotation

  29. Connotation vs. Denotation Denotation- The exact, literal meaning of a word Connotation - The unspoken, hidden meaning that gives a word more emotional impact

  30. Connotation vs. Denotation Denotation- The exact, literal meaning of a word “The family sat together in front of awarmfire.” The denotativeor literal interpretation of warm= nearly hot (actual temperature)

  31. Connotation vs. Denotation Connotation- The unspoken, hidden meaning that gives a word more emotional impact “The family sat together in front of awarmfire.” Theconnotativeor figurative interpretation of warm= comforting; friendly (mood/tone)

  32. Connotations • A connotationgives the reader or listener a distinct impression or feeling, calling on emotion rather than fact. • Through their connotations, words set a tone and can reveal hidden opinions, attitudes, or judgments.

  33. Connotations • In the following examples, notice how synonyms have slightly different meanings, revealing a variety of connotations.

  34. Mrs. Darcy knows the answers to questions no one else can answer.

  35. Mrs. Darcy knows the answers to questions no one else can answer. She might be called informed.

  36. Mrs. Darcy knows the answers to questions no one else can answer. She might be called confident.

  37. Mrs. Darcy knows the answers to questions no one else can answer. She might be called conceited.

  38. Mrs. Darcy knows the answers to questions no one else can answer. informed confident conceited Which of these words has aneutral connotation and merely states a fact, without opinions or judgment?

  39. Mrs. Darcy knows the answers to questions no one else can answer. informed Which of these words has aneutral connotation and merely states a fact, without opinions or judgment?

  40. Mrs. Darcy knows the answers to questions no one else can answer. informed confident conceited Which of these words has apositive connotation and could be considered a compliment?

  41. Mrs. Darcy knows the answers to questions no one else can answer. confident Which of these words has apositive connotation and could be considered a compliment?

  42. Mrs. Darcy knows the answers to questions no one else can answer. informed confident conceited Which of these words has anegative connotation and could be taken as criticism?

  43. Mrs. Darcy knows the answers to questions no one else can answer. conceited Which of these words has anegative connotation and could be taken as criticism?

  44. Home, House, or Residence? Which word connotescomfortandsecurity?

  45. Home, House, or Residence? Which word connotescomfortandsecurity? Home

  46. Home, House, or Residence? Which word connotesa formal or legal tone?

  47. Home, House, or Residence? Which word connotesa formal or legal tone? Residence

  48. Home, House, or Residence? Which word connotesan impersonal structure?

  49. Home, House, or Residence? Which word connotesan impersonal structure? House

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