What is tone?

The writer’s or speaker’s attitude toward the subject & the audience.

With speaking, tone is easy to hear in a person’s voice.

With writing, tone is determined by DIDLS

Diction

Connotation of word choice

Example:

The girls in the corner laughed.

(snickered, cackled, chuckled, giggled, cracked up, etc.)

Imagery

Vivid details that appeal to senses

Example:

With an agonized gasp, the soldier collapsed on the battle field.

Mrs. Bitz beamed at her kindergartners with a soothing smile and sparkling eyes.

Details

The details the author does/does not choose to include

Example:

How would the details of a fight at you witnessed at school vary as told to another student, the principal, or your parents?

Language

The overall style of the language Slang: He laid him out cold. Informal: He socked him in the jaw. Formal: In a sudden rage, he

thrust his fist into his opponent’s face.

Sentence Structure

Short sentences show urgency or a casual attitude

We need it now!

Yeah, whatever you say. Long sentences show significance,

seriousness, or politeness

I would like you to try to finish this assignment today.

Example 1

As discussed in our meeting today, each staff member should plan to attend a special training on the appropriate way to remove snacks from the vending machines. Please be prompt.

Example 2

C.J., you are so fine. You know I gotta get wit yo fine self sometime and get to know you betta. You is on my mind 24/7.

Example 3 My grandmother was not one of

those soft, warm grandmothers that made cookies and read bedtime stories. But she knew the best places to fish, taught me everything I know about poker, and played a mean saxophone.

Example 4

Millie slinked down the steps, purposely ignoring her mother’s questions. “Where’s your hat? When will you be home? Who are you going out with?” She left the constant nagging echoing behind her as she pulled the door shut with a quiet click.

Example 5

You have been selected as a grand prize winner of $4000 or a trip for two to intoxicating Las Vegas! Just call our toll-free number any time between 8 AM & 5 PM central standard time for an important message about the fabulous prizes awaiting you!

Advice - it’s all in the toneDear Advice Goddess,

I am a totally cute 15 year-old girl. I have this friend (let’s call him John) that I have had a crush on for 2 years. I flirt with John all the time, but he says he just wants to be friends. I don’t understand it. If I’m pretty and popular, why doesn’t he like me? What can I do to make him go out with me? Anyone else would jump at the chance.

Looking for Love

Advice - 1st responseDear Looking for Love,

Hello! Time for a reality check. Do youalways live in a world of make believe? This guy John is probably just too good for you. Maybe if you weren’t so stuck on yourself, John would be interested, but sounds to me like he knows what he’s doing. Someone who’s as self-absorbed as YOU are won’t have time for him anyway. Find yourself someone who’s anego-maniac just like YOU!

Advice - 2nd responseDear Looking for Love,

You have made your feelings clear; nowthe ball is in John’s court. In the mean-time, maybe you should start thinking about personal growth. You mention yourappearance several times, but perhaps itis time to cultivate the beauty within. Onlya person who is beautiful inside can findtrue happiness. Learn to love yourself, and love will come to you. Best wishes.

Trying out tone Work alone or in groups of 2 or 3. Write a letter from your character to an advice

columnist asking for help with a problem he/she faces. Think not only about the problem, but also about what tone your character would use.

Write a response with a tone of your choice. Label the tone of the letter and the response

in the margins.