Understanding The Effect Of Tone

Posted by qpen on July 23, 2009

The tone of your writing is established by what you say and how you say it. Tone underlies much of written communication.The tone in your writing needs to be shaped to your purpose for writing, and awareness of your audience .

Your tone reveals your attitude-both toward the material about which you are writing and toward anyone you expect to read your writing.

For example, if your tone implies that you feel superior to your readers, you material will be condescending and distasteful. Similarly, if your tone hints that you are uninformed or unsure, your readers will quickly lose confidence in what you are saying.

In your web writing, you want to convey a reasonable tone, both in the content of your material and in your choice of words.

For example, readers might think a writer unreasonable who distorts information or tries to manipulate emotions unfairly by using slanted language.

Choose even handed or neutral words (the politician being investigated for taking bribes) rather than biased ones (the corrupt, deceitful politician).

Also, readers can infer from sexist language that a writer is insensitive to gender issues in their choice of words. Choose gender-neutral terms and language that represents both men and women fairly (police officer, not policeman; doctors and their spouses, not doctors and their wives) , etc.

Similarly, pretentious language reflects negatively on your writing because it can obscure the message. Choose straightforward rather than overblown words (concert, not orchestral event).

Also important, when you move from writing privately for yourself to writing for an audience, the level of formality in your writing should reflect your goal.

Although readers enjoy lively language, they can be jarred by an overly informal tone in a serious discussion. Readers, no matter what you may have read otherwise, expect to be treated respectfully.A medium level of formality is most effective.

======================

If you would like information on marketing your articles or online business, please visit my other site: UMarketingU.com where you will find marketing ideas, hints and tips. Up to the minute information for your online and offline marketing!

You can connect with me via social media sites at – Facebook – Twitter – LinkedIn – Hellotxt – Dipity.com and Stumble Upon. If you are not signed up…they are free…you will meet a lot of other marketers to communicate with and possibly JV with. Social Networking is on fire right now, so be sure to use it. Note: with Hellotxt.com and Dipity.com you can update all your social sites! I look forward to being “social” with you!