tone
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TRANSCRIPT
TONEBy: Kendra Otis, Dakota Lamb, Reed Connelly,
John Harbaugh, and Ryan Avolese
Overview:1. What is Tone?
2. Why is it important?3. What to consider before you start writing
4. Do’s and Don'ts of Tone5. Tone Words
What Is Tone?Attitude or emotion toward the subject
or reader
Why Is Tone Important?
Tone helps convey a particular message from the
writer
Tone affects how the reader receives the message
It is not “what” you say, but “how” you
say it.
Frost tells us about his past with a “sigh” this gives the above lines an unhappy tone.
“I shall be telling this with a sighSomewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference”Robert Frost
Before writing ask yourself 3
things…
1. Why am I writing this document?
The purpose of your document will help you determine how you should
express your message
2. Who am I writing this document to?
Who is your audience?
3. What tone should I use...?
Using the appropriate tone allows you to: Accomplish your goals more quicklyGet your point across more efficiently
Now that you have started your writing...
There are a few Do’s and Don’ts when incorporating tone into your writing
Do Use a formal tone when writing for professional
purposes.
Your tone should be Courteous and Professional
at all times...
Appropriate times to use Informal tone
● Creative realm● Memoirs● Blogs● Stories● Email (depends on recipient)
It should convey Strength and Confidence
A confident tone will have a persuasive effect on
your audience
However, do not be overconfident... This can be interpreted as arrogant or rude
“I am better than you at your job”
Be Honest and Sincere
Without this, politeness can sound condescending
Use appropriate Emphasis
A short sentence will help readers effectively convey
an important idea
Always use appropriate Language
Nondiscriminatory
Express equality and respect for all individuals
Use Clear, Concise, Simple language
Use the appropriate level of difficulty in your writing to clearly convey your message
Do Use an Active rather than a Passive voice
It is more direct, and portrays a willingness to take responsibility for one’s actions
Stress the benefits for the reader
Will help you avoid sounding self-centered and uninterested
Avoid Subjectivity...Focus the writing on the subject matter rather
than yourself
E.G:If you are writing a sports article on the Denver Broncos, make sure you DON’T talk about your personal feelings towards the Broncos. Subjective writing is easily discredited.
Avoid
passive aggressive tones
"Mistakes were made..."
"That was taken out of context..."
DON’T use CAPS LOCK It can come off as YELLING at someone...
CAN I HELP YOU?vs.
Can I help you?
Avoid personalizing pronouns
Can come off as personalizing the problem
Do choose your words wisely
Put in a great deal of thought and care into your word choice
Tone WordsPositive:
● affectionate ● hilarious● hopeful● humorous● interested● joyful
● adoring● appreciative● admiring● friendly● funny● gleeful
Negative: ● ambiguous● ambivalent● angry● annoyed● bitter● hopeless
● hostile● mocking● pathetic● stressful● uncertain● somber
Conclusion:
With the advice of this tutorial, you are prepared to correctly and powerfully convey
tone in your writing. Remember to complete the 3 steps of pre writing and choose your words
wisely!
Bibliography
http://www.writeexpress.com/tone.htmlhttps://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/652/1/http://www.writingwithclarity.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Words_of_wisdom_Melcrum.pdf
Bibliography Continued
http://www.execuwrite.net/writing-advice/appropriate-business-tone.htmlhttp://insidebiz.com/news/dont-ignore-tone-your-writinghttp://www.directutor.com/content/using-appropriate-tone-business-writing
Bibliography Continued
https://www.boundless.com/business/business-writing/creating-high-value-communications/appropriate-tone/http://writingcommons.org/open-text/genres/professional-and-technical-writing/effective-business-writing/1082-diplomacy-tone-and-emphasis-in-business-writing
Bibliography Continued
http://pages.uoregon.edu/ddusseau/101/199/style.html