How to Write With Good Diction to Develop Style, Tone & Point of View - 88tuition

Introduction

The term "diction" describes the choice of words in a piece of writing. Using well-chosen words to evoke a mood or mental image in the reader is a hallmark of well-crafted prose.

Connotation refers to the emotional associations one creates with a word and the associations one makes with other words. The author's feelings or attitude towards a topic may be gleaned from their choice of words, which is why tone and diction go hand in hand. Improving diction requires contemplation of how to convey a writer's intended tone, viewpoint, and imagery to the reader.

Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God is one of the greatest examples of diction in English literature because how Hurston uses colloquial language to show how the characters speak and to provide context for the protagonist's upbringing. The poem "This Is Only to Say" by William Carlos Williams is another great illustration; it emphasizes themes of temptation via the use of vivid imagery and well-chosen words.

Basic Types of Diction

Taking a look at some basic diction in writing might be beneficial when thinking about how to improve diction.

Formal diction is characterized by the use of high-level language and grammatical precision. For example, you may say something like, "The panel has decided to convene at noon" in a formal announcement. In contrast, words and phrases are used more freely and naturally in casual diction. Let's dine together sometime is a relaxed way of putting it.

Style

Style, in contrast to content, describes how a piece of writing is put together. Yet they go hand in hand when you put pen to paper. How a piece of writing is styled impacts how the reader interprets the information inside it. Style includes elements such as tone and diction. Consider your audience and purpose for writing to choose the best approach to present your content in terms of style. Consistency has a crucial role. Alternating formal and informal language can confuse readers and weaken an argument's credibility.