Appropriate Language

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• The way language is presented sets the tone

• Use of words with negative or positive meanings creates an image in reader’s mind

– The idea was well-received by the employees.
– The idea was accepted by the workers.

• Academic writing is as neutral as possible

• Persuasive/argumentative writing is usually more biased one way or another
  

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• Vocabulary makes a difference

• Usually determined by audience or format

– Formal: That is my mode of transportation.
– Standard: That is my car.
– Informal: That’s my ride. That’s my wheels

• Academic/professional writing is usually more formal. (Research paper or business report)
• Essay writing is often standard language
• Personal writing (email) is often informal
  

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• The expected structure/format of what is being written can affect language choice
• A form with a lot of structure built in will tend to use a more formal language
• Business letters--Dear Sirs, Sincerely, etc—just naturally use a more formal language
• Email tends to be more spontaneous and thus much more informal (whether it should be or not)
  

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• How the writing is laid out, designed, affects HOW the reader responds

• Something dense with text is automatically assumed to be heavy and serious

• Something with lots of white space and pictures is assumed to be less in depth

• Use of Bold, ALL CAPS, “quotation marks,” etc. all communicate beyond the word’s meaning

• The font can send messages as well

• Use of bullet point lists instead of lengthy sentences separates ideas better--draws attention
  

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• Sentences need to have consistency

• Pick a verb tense and stick to it

• Decide on point of view –

– 1st uses “I,” “we” -- personal, informal
– 2nd uses “you” -- sounds authoritarian
– 3rd uses “he,” “she,” “they” – more formal

• Decide early how simple or complex your sentence structures are going to be
• Some sentences will be shorter or longer than the norm, for emphasis