Organizational strategies are methods for structuring information, such as using cause and effect, comparison and contrast, or a logical sequence. Language techniques are the specific word choices and sentence structures used, including rhetorical devices like analogies or facts, and connectives like "however" or "similarly". Tone refers to the author's attitude toward the subject and audience, which can be set by the organizational strategies and language techniques to create a professional, formal, or conversational style.
Organizational strategies
- Cause and Effect: Explains how one event or action leads to another.
- Comparison and Contrast: Highlights similarities and differences between two or more subjects.
- Sequence (Chronological Order): Presents information in the order it happened or is done.
- Problem/Solution: Identifies an issue and then proposes one or more solutions.
- Order of Importance: Arranges information from most to least important, or vice versa.
- Historical Data: Uses past events to add credibility.
- Statistical Data: Uses verified numbers to support points.
- Examples & Illustrations: Provides concrete examples to make abstract ideas clearer.
Language techniques
- Word Choice:
- Using precise vocabulary.
- Employing jargon for a specific audience.
- Using connectives like "however," "likewise," or "in addition" to guide the reader.
- Sentence Structure:
- Varying sentence length and structure for rhythm and emphasis.
- Using expletive pronouns ("it," "there") to delay the subject for a more formal, though potentially passive, style.
- Rhetorical Devices:
- Analogy: Comparing a complex idea to a simpler one.
- Anecdotes: Using a short, personal story to illustrate a point.
- Rhetorical Questions: Asking a question not for an answer, but to make a point or engage the reader.
- Figurative Language: Using metaphors, similes, or personification to create imagery.
Tone
- Definition: The author's attitude toward the subject and audience.
- How it's set: Determined by organizational strategies and language techniques.
- Examples:
- Formal: Characterized by complex sentences, precise vocabulary, and third-person narration. Often found in academic or business writing.
- Informal: Uses casual language, contractions, and a conversational style.
- Objective: Strives for impartiality by sticking to facts and evidence.
- Subjective: Expresses personal feelings and opinions.
- Importance: A consistent and appropriate tone is crucial for clarity, credibility, and building rapport with the audience. An inconsistent or inappropriate tone can lead to confusion, damage relationships, and decrease morale.
