Writing about Diction

When writing about diction, avoid saying “The writer uses diction”. This statement is too vague, as it merely says "The writer uses words." Remember that writers and speakers choose their words carefully, tailoring them to the subject, occasion. purpose, and audience.

The use of proper diction is most powerful when tailored to your audiences

Questions to Ask Yourself:

• What kind of word choice? What adjective/descriptor can you use to describe the word choice?

• What tone does these words create?

use of diction should

• What effect do these words have on the audience?

• Which other choices are "working with" the word choice? Repetition? Imagery?

Describing Diction

• Galvanizing, highly-charged, rousing

• Inclusive, unifying

• Divisive

• Passionate

• Matter-of-fact, straightforward

• Formal, sophisticated, scholarly

• Informal, colloquial

• Didactic

• Pedantic

• Sharp, pointed, harsh, targeted, biting

• Nostalgic, sentimental

Avoid "uses diction." Try one of these instead:

The writer/speaker's diction creates a ___ tone.

____words such as “..." and "..." help the writer/speaker to PURPOSE.

Words such as "…” and "..." evoke a sense of___ in the SPECIFIC AUDIENCE.

The writer/speaker's _____ language helps him/her to... because...

Avoid saying "The writer uses diction.."

EXAMPLES

By including words such as "suddenly" and "deliberately," FDR characterizes the Empire of Japan as the enemy. Logically proving Japan's guilt makes Congress more willing to ultimately declare war on Japan. of diction frames the declaration of the war

Repeating the word “attacked” and subsequently” further emphasizes the deliberate nature of the attack, suggesting Japan's guilt and America's innocence, thus rousing a feeling of patriotism within the members of Congress and the American people.

Roosevelt includes unifying diction, such as "we" and "ours" to illustrate his confidence that the US will prevail in its forthcoming war efforts against the Empire of Japan.