English Discussion: Word Choice and Diction.

What type of words are appropriate in your college papers? How does this relate to the kind of language you will use in the business world? Give an example of what you would consider as "slang." Why is slang not appropriate? What does "tone" mean? How are word choice and tone related?

When you write a paper, you are writing with the goal of enlightening and educating your reader, and to persuade your audience into viewing something from your perspective - therefore, it is important that you make every word count. This does not mean using antiquated or complicated language; especially for your college and business papers, it is best that you keep your language as clear, concise, and easy-to-understand as possible. Even so, however, it is important that the words that you say sound professional; conversational / informal / slang language will come across as juvenile and immature.

Think of it this way - before you share a business letter or a college paper with a colleague / boss / professor, read your writing aloud to yourself, and then ask yourself: Does it sound like I'm talking to that person during a break in high school? Or at a bar? - Or am I using the full power of my linguistic skills to command the attention and respect of my reader?