Changes in LANGUAGE! Diction! Style of speaking or writing as dependent upon choice of words The accent, intonation, and speech-sound quality manifested by an individual speaker, usually judged in terms of prevailing standards of acceptability BASICALLY, diction is the WAY or STYLE of language you are using! You use one style with your friends… A different one with me… And yet another one with your family! ETC! Changes in Diction: Formal / Informal Your BFF Your boss Say “sir” Swear words Improper Grammar Affectionate/ PDA Slang words Unpopular opinions More open, talk about secrets Relaxed Joke around Rant about job Restroom No cussing More respectful Suck up, compliments Tense, uptight, standing up straight Straightforward Advanced vocabulary Avoid interjections: like, uh, um, so Types of Diction INFORMAL FORMAL Writing Challenges #1 & 2 Informal Letter of Recommendation An unscrupulous friend of yours has asked you to write a letter of recommendation. Normally, this would call for a formal, professional tone. You are going to write a letter of recommendation alright, but you will use INFORMAL diction, speaking to his/her future employer. Use slang, personal pronouns (me, I, you, we, our), and lots of VOICE! Write a FORMAL break-up note to your significant other! This means that you should write this letter as if you are writing to your boss, or other respected adult. Be VERY polite, use STRONG word choice (BIG words), and articulate your ideas clearly!