Using Formal and Informal Language Appropriately

Using Formal and Informal Language Appropriately

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Art Imitates Life

• In writing, formal and informal language work in a similar way… to influence tone, which, in turn, speaks to your audience.

Tone

• Tone is defined as the writer’s attitude toward the subject matter and his or her readers.

Audience

• The audience is your reader or listener– the recipient of your verbal or written communication.

Diction

• Diction is word choice
• Word choice is important in establishing tone
• Three levels of diction:
• 1. high or formal diction
• 2. neutral diction
• 3. informal or low diction

Characteristic of Formal and Informal Language

• Informal
• light
• humorous
• personal
• casual
• offhanded
• "loose"
• plainspoken
• simple

• Formal
• serious
• objective
• impersonal
• reasoned
• controlled
• reserved