What is Diction?
Diction refers to the speaking or writing style or the choice of words that a speaker or writer uses.
The choice of words has a significant effect on the quality of a speech or writing. Well-chosen words
help a writer or a speaker to pass a message clearly and easily. On the other hand, poor word choice can
cause message misinterpretation by the readers or listeners.
All forms of communication, whether written or oral, are made up of words. They are considered
the basic kernel of transmitting ideas and information. Knowing how to properly use the right words in
any form of creative writing is an advantage. The words you employ in your writing ultimately reveal
your tone and attitude in your work.
Qualities of Good Diction
The words a writer or speaker chooses must be accurate and right. This is vital since it helps to
prevent message misinterpretation. Secondly, the words must go in line with the context within which the
writer or speaker uses them. Thirdly, the words should be easy to understand in order to help the
reader/listener understand the message being conveyed clearly. Using complex words might put off your
listeners and readers.
Types of Diction
A. Formal diction
This diction entails the use of formal language which is used to address formal situations. In this
type of diction, sophisticated language is used and it also follows grammatical rules. People use this
diction to write: articles, address audiences, make formal presentations, or even address a press
conference. Additionally, you can also find formal diction in legal papers, business documents, and
professional texts. Generally, formal diction is typically used in formal settings.
Other characteristics of formal diction are:
It involves choosing words that are polite and proper.
Often filled with descriptive words that are quite precise and sentences may be longer.
Example:
Formal: The man spoke to his father in a low voice so others could not hear.
Informal: That guy told his dad secrets in a low voice.
Formal: Why would you care to explain the reason behind your decision to leave the gathering early:
Informal: Why’d you leave the party so soon?
Formal: his terrible anger would not endear him to many if he refuses to control his outbursts.
Informal: if he doesn’t stop bitting people’s head, he’ll lose all her pals.
Going to the extremes of formal diction, jargon is a highly technical language or specialized terms that
only people in a certain group understands.
Example: The candidate must be adept at both the latest communications technology and heritage voice
systems to keep all stakeholders informed of developing trends in the workplace.
B. Informal diction
Informal diction refers to the use of informal, casual, and conversational words while speaking or
writing. Unlike formal diction, it is more relaxed, and it is what people use in real life to interact with
their colleagues and friends. In writing, you can use informal diction to write personal letters and emails
to friends and relatives. Some writers also use informal diction when writing poems, short stories, and
novels.
In addition, informal diction uses shorter words and sentences may be shorter.
Going to the extremes of informal diction, colloquialism is a language which is highly informal
and may include regional expressions and spelling that reflect dialect and non-standard pronunciation.
Example: I am gonna become the best player in the world. (‘gonna’ is a colloquial word that
means I am going to)
C. Colloquial diction-
This is the use of words common in everyday speech which may be different to other regions or
communities.
Examples:
Aint – which means “I am not”
Gonna- means “goint to”
Y’all- means “you all”
Phrases :
Hard to swallow – difficult to believe
Up for grabs- available to anyone
Head over heels – in love
Elbow grease – hard work
Aphorisims:
“When it rains, it pours”
“Brevity is the soul of wit.”
“All that glitters isn’t gold”
“Absence makes the heart grow fonder.”
D. Slang Diction
This is the use of words that are newly coined. It is a language peculiar to other people.
Example:
Bae- endearment used between romantic relationship, or can be used by close friends which means
“before anyone else”
Basic: describing someone or something that is very common.
What are Figures of Speech?
It is a word or phrase that has a different meaning other than its literal meaning.
The most commonly used figures of speech in creative writing are the following:
1. Simile – a comparison between two objects using the words “like”, “as”
2. Metaphor – a comparison between two unlike things or ideas, but without using “like” or “as”
3. Personification – giving human qualities to non-living things
4. Hyperbole – the use of exaggeration to express strong emotion or create a comical effect
5. Assonance – the repetition of vowel sounds in a series of words, phrases and/or syllables
6. Consonance – the repetition of consonant sounds that can be anywhere in the phrase or
sentence
7. Onomatopoeia – naming a thing or an action by imitating the sound associated with it
8. Irony - is when there is a contrast between what is said and what is meant
9. Alliteration – repetition of consonant sounds occurring at the beginning of words
10. Anaphora – repetition of the first part of the sentence in order to achieve an artistic effect
