Writing Styles

 

Writing Styles

The four main type of  writing styles are Persuasive, Narrative, Expository and Descriptive

Persuasive writing

The main purpose of this type of writing is to convince. It contains the opinions, thoughts, and biases of the author. The writer uses justifications, arguments, and reasons to make the readers agree to his or her points.

Areas of Usage

·         Speeches

·         Cover Letters

·         Editorial Pieces

·         Letters of Complaints

·         Letter of Recommendation

·         Newspaper Opinion

·         Review

·          Critical Analysis

·         Business Idea

·         Advertisements or Commercials

Example

1.     Our store has the lowest prices and the best collection of dress materials in the entire town. Visit us today for a great experience.

In the above example, the writer is trying to convince the reader for the trial as used in an advertisement. This is the persuasive style of writing.

Narrative

The main purpose of this type of writing is to tell or narrate a story. The writer creates different characters and tells you what happens to them. The writer uses first person narration. Narrative writing is mostly personal, imaginative, and self-expressing.

Areas of Usage

·         Novels

·         Short stories

·         Poetry

·         Fairy Tales

·         Autobiographies

·         Anecdotes

·         Screen scripts

·         Play

·         Legends

·         Songs

Example

It was a hot, sunny day. I finally visited Disneyland. It was a dreamland. I always wanted to visit there. Being there it was like dream come true experience. On entering, the very first thing that I said, “Oh wow! What a wonderful place!” People were walking and enjoying their time with all the Disney characters. Children over there were so happy and excited. I think it is a must visit place for everyone.

Here the writer is sharing his or her personal experience and emotions. It is a narrative style of writing.

Expository

The main purpose of this type of writing is to explain. In expository writing, the author focus and emphasis on telling or explaining a given topic or subject. This is the most common types of writing. There is no place for the writer’s opinion, emotions, biases or points of view. The main motive of this writing style is to spread information.

Areas of Usage

·         Textbooks Writing

·         Business writing

·         Research Papers

·         Encyclopedias

·         Technical Writing

·         Essays

·         Reports

·         Recipes Writing

·         Scientific Writing

Example

The elephant is the largest and the strongest of all living animals. It has thick legs, small tail, little eyes, large ears, long white tusk, and a long nose which is its trunk. Elephants are found in Indian and in Africa. They live in herds in jungles. The elephant is a very intelligent animal and has great strength. Elephants can carry heavy loads. They live their lives entirely on leaves of trees, grass, and roots.

The above example tries to provide information about elephants. This is an expository style of writing.

Descriptive

The main purpose of this type of writing is to describe. It focuses on describing a character, a place, an event, an object or an action. There is a very slight difference between expository and descriptive writing styles. The descriptive style is more detailed, personal and subjective.

Areas of Usage

·         Poetry

·         Novels

·         Diaries Writing

·         Plays

·         Journals Writing

Example

A grand exhibition was held in the town. The first impression on entering the ground was of walking in some fairyland. The vast space was decorated with so many colourful lights. The stalls, there, were like small shops and they had all the needful items. All types of amusements could be seen there. The children were enjoying the ride on merry – go – round, the giant wheel, railway train and other. The excitement and joy could be seen easily.

In the above example, the writer wants to describe his visit to the exhibition. It is a descriptive style of writing.

 

Effective Writing

 

Effective Writing 

Writing is often a day-to-day task in many professions spanning diverse industries, from sending emails to preparing presentations. Writing skills go beyond grammar and spelling. Accuracy, clarity, persuasiveness, and several other elements ensure your writing conveys the right message. 

What are writing skills?

Writing is a technical skill that allows you to communicate effectively through the written word. Though these may vary depending on your writing, several transcend categories. Writing skills can more specifically include:

·         Grammar

·         Vocabulary

·         Spelling

·         Sentence construction

·         Structure

·         Research and accuracy

·         Clarity

·         Persuasiveness

Each of these components can influence the quality of writing.

How to improve your writing skills

Here are some strategies for developing your own written communication:

1. Review grammar and spelling basics.

Grammar and spelling form the foundation of good writing. Writing with proper grammar and spelling communicates your professionalism and attention to detail to your reader. It also makes your writing easier to understand.  

Knowing when and how to use less common punctuation, like colons, semicolons, and em-dashes, can unlock new ways to structure sentences and elevate your writing. 

If you want to strengthen your grammar and spelling, use a writing manual. The Cambridge Guide to English Usage by Pam Peters provides information on effective writing. You can find similar resources at your local library, bookstore, or online.

2. Read what you want to write.

Knowing what finished writing can look like can guide your own. Read humorous short stories if you’re trying to write a short story. If you want to write a book review, find a few and take note of how they’re structured. Pay attention to what makes them good and what you want to emulate (without plagiarising). If you’re working on a school assignment, you can ask your instructor for examples of successful pieces from past students.

Make reading a part of your everyday life to improve your writing. Try reading the news in the morning or picking up a book before bed. If you haven’t been a big reader in the past, start with topics you’re interested in or ask friends and family for recommendations. You’ll gradually understand what subjects, genres, and authors you enjoy.

3. Proofread.

While it’s tempting to submit work as soon as you’re done with it, build in some time to revisit what you’ve written to catch errors big and small. Here are a few proofreading tips to keep in mind:

·         Set your work aside before you edit. Try to step away from your writing for a day or more so you can return to it with fresh, more objective eyes. Crunched for time? Allotting 20 minutes between writing and proofreading can allow you to approach your work with renewed energy.

·         Start with easy fixes, then progress to bigger changes. Starting with easier changes can get you in the rhythm of proofreading, allow you to read through your work once more, and clear distractions so you can focus on bigger edits. Read through your work to catch misspellings, inconsistencies, and grammar errors. Then, address the larger problems with the structure or awkward transitions. 

·         If you could say something in fewer words, do so. Being unnecessarily wordy can cloud your message and confuse the reader. Avoid phrases that are redundant, repetitive, or obvious.

·         Read out loud. Reading aloud can help you find awkward phrases and areas where your writing doesn’t flow well. 

Should you use computer spelling and grammar tools?

Many computer-based tools—like spell check on your word processor or Grammarly— can help you find and fix simple spelling and grammar errors. These tools are imperfect but can help even the most seasoned writers avoid mistakes. Take note of any frequently highlighted words or phrases to avoid the same mistakes in the future.

4. Get feedback.

Whether you’re writing emails or essays, asking for feedback is a great way to see how someone else will interpret your text. Have an idea of what you’d like your proofreader to focus on—the structure, conclusion, persuasiveness of an argument, or otherwise. 

Approach a trusted friend, family member, co-worker, or instructor. If you’re a student, your school might also have a writing resource centre you can contact. 

Consider forming a writing group or joining a writing class. Find writing courses online, at your local community college, or independent writing workshops in your area.

5. Think about structure.

Grammar and spelling keep your writing consistent and legible, but the structure ensures the big ideas get across to the reader.

In many cases, forming an outline will help solidify the structure. An outline can clarify what you hope to convey in each section, allowing you to visualise the flow of your piece and surface parts that require more research or thought. 

The structure might look different depending on what you’re writing. An essay typically has an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. A fiction piece might follow the six-stage plot structure: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution, and denouement. Choose what’s best for your purposes.

6. Write.

Keep writing to become a good writer. Here are a few ways you can get started:

·         Start a journal or a blog.

·         Join a class or writing workshop.

·         Practise free writing.

·         Write letters to friends or family.

·         Put together an opinion piece for your local newspaper or publication you like.

7. Know some common fixes.

Even if a text is grammatically correct, you can make it more dynamic and interesting with some polish. Here are some common ways you can sharpen your writing:

·         Choose strong verbs (for example, “sprinted,” “dashed,” or “bolted” instead of “ran”).

·         Avoid passive voice.

·         Vary sentence length.

·         Cut unnecessary words.

·         Replace cliches with original phrasing.

 

Types of Speeches

 

Types of Speeches

Speeches can be categorized into four broad areas depending on the amount of preparation that is undertaken and depending upon the nature of the occasion. The four types of speeches are manuscript, memorized, extemporaneous, and impromptu. Our aim is to acquaint you with these four different modes of delivery, to provide suggestions for when you are asked to make impromptu remarks, and then to focus most your time on the preparation, practice, and presentation of extemporaneous speeches.

Manuscript Speech

When you listen to the President deliver a State of the Union message, you listen to a well-crafted speech being read from a teleprompter. The speech has been polished by a staff of speechwriters and has been practiced many times. The President will know how to anticipate the reaction of the audience and will know when to pause for applause and when to expect laughter. This form of speaking is used when the exact words matter and when much time and energy is expended on getting everything just right. There are times when people who are not leaders of countries deliver manuscript speeches as well. They are used when people testify before Congress, when people read important statements in a public setting, or when people deliver reports at professional meetings. All call for exact words in the correct order.

While the President has access to a staff of speech writers and a teleprompter, most of us do not. If you were given this type of assignment, you would have to read your manuscript speech from printed notes. In that case, you would want to ensure that you had prepared your manuscript carefully, using large fonts so you could read it easily without burying your nose in the pages. Reading the speech does not allow you to skimp on the preparation. Practice the speech many times. This allows you to make changes, if needed, and to select the best words to communicate your exact meaning. Remember to speak clearly and naturally -strive for a conversational tone. It shouldn’t sound read -even if you are reading. Also, remember to speak slowly; there is a natural tendency to speed up when we speak in public. Delivering a speech is not a race; you do not receive bonus points for finishing early.

Unless you are specifically told by your instructor to prepare and deliver a manuscript speech, you should never write out the entire speech. Spend your time developing your outline, organizing your ideas, and determining where you can best insert your supports. Then practice using the outline while speaking.

Memorized Speech

When you were in elementary school, did you ever have to memorize a poem or a part of a speech? If you are like most students, the answer is “Yes. ” There is nothing wrong with memorization. But if you try to memorize a speech, you risk forgetting what you planned to say and coming across as completely unprepared. Memorizing your speech is even worse than reading it. All the objections that apply to the read speech also apply to the memorized speech. Spontaneity is gone. The speech can sound stilted. Often, delivery is too rapid. Concentration is on the words, not the ideas. Sometimes the speech sounds too formal, like a written essay. There is minimal feedback or other contact with the audience. And what happens if your mind goes completely blank or if an audience member interrupts? The entire presentation will likely fall apart. Memorizing a speech puts entirely too much pressure on the speaker.

That said, there are a couple of parts of the speech that you may want to have memorized -or practiced so well that you can deliver them almost as if memorized. These include:

Your introduction: It sets the stage for the entire speech. The words should be well chosen and rehearsed. You may find that as you repeat this portion of the speech during your rehearsals you do come to memorize it word for word. If so, this is fine. After all, once you have determined the best way of saying something, why not use it? Just make sure the presentation does not sound memorized.

Your conclusion: The summary and call to action are the final words that your audience will hear. As with the introduction, if you practice this repeatedly you will develop the best way to say what you want and you will probably have perfected this portion of the speech.

Impromptu Speech

There will come a time for all of us when we are asked to “say a few words ” without much preparation. You haven’t prepared any notes, you haven’t practiced what you’ll say, and you’re being asked to “wing it. ” While this may seem incredibly scary, impromptu presentations are the most common type of public speaking. You’re in class and suddenly the professor wants to hear how group projects are going. You, as the leader of your group, are asked to stand and briefly discuss what the group is doing and how much you’ve completed so far. That’s an impromptu speech. You didn’t know when you headed to class that day that you’d be speaking in public, but you did it. No sweat! Or maybe you’re in a meeting at work and the boss announces that he wants you to brief everyone in the meeting on the new equipment being installed that afternoon. Again, no prior planning, no notes, you just do it. That’s impromptu speaking.

Extemporaneous Speech

The focus of most college courses in public speaking is the extemporaneous speech. This is because this is the type of speech used most in business, education, preaching, and political affairs. Few of us will ever have a professional staff of speechwriters or ever deliver a speech with the aid of a teleprompter. But when you do have a speech or presentation to deliver, you’ll want to sound prepared, authoritative, and clear.

Simply stated, an extemporaneous speech is one where you will have time for preparation and practice but will not be expected to read from a manuscript or to have the speech memorized. The question most students ask is, “How much time should be spent in preparation and practice? ” Perhaps Mark Twain said it best. When speaking about preparing for an impromptu speech, he noted, “It usually takes more than three weeks to prepare a good impromptu speech ” (King). While celebrated as a humorist, there is much truth in his words. To appear to be speaking off the cuff, and to do it well, you must prepare thoroughly and practice to perfection. When you speak extemporaneously, it means you’ve had ample time to prepare and research and that you have rehearsed your speech (many times) using an outline or notes to remind you of the progression of ideas you wish to present. You will follow all the normal steps outlined in the earlier chapters. Choose a topic, narrow appropriately, analyze your audience, choose your supports, and create an outline. You will know your speech so well and will amaze your audience!

 

Effective Speaking

 

Effective Speaking

The most important aspect of effective speaking skills is ensuring you successfully and clearly deliver the information that you want to share through speaking.

·       Whatever you speak, it must-must be focussed on the listener and not yourself.

There are  2 parts in this topic.

1.     Non-Verbal Communication or how you speak.

2.     Verbal Communication or what you speak.

 

 To be an effective speaker.

1.     Non-Verbal Communication or how you speak: This contributes to 70% of speech and so definitely more important than what you speak.

1a   Body language: An erect posture, no drooping shoulders, right hand movements, right eye contact are all important. Well, it’s a vast topic. But you can read about it on internet too, what I want to convey is that, it’s important and must be considered.

1b.  Pace: This is the speed at which you talk. If speech is too fast, then listeners will not have time to assimilate what is being said. It is also a good idea to vary the pace - quickening up at times and then slowing down – because this will help to maintain interest.

1c.  Volume: By raising or lowering volume occasionally, you can create emphasis. If you drop your voice to almost a whisper (as long as it is projected) for a sentence or two, it will make your audience suddenly alert. Be careful not to overuse this technique, though, or it will lose its impact.

1d.  Pitch - Inflection - Emphasis: When speaking in public, try to convey the information with as much vocal energy and enthusiasm as possible. This does not mean your voice has to swoop and dive all over the place in an uncontrolled manner. Try to make the talk interesting. Remember that when you are nervous or excited, your vocal chords tense and shorten, causing the voice to get higher. Emphasise certain words and phrases within the talk to convey their importance and help to add variety.

1e.  Pause: Pauses are powerful. They can be used for effect to highlight the preceding statement or to gain attention before an important message. Pauses mean silence for a few seconds. Listeners interpret meaning during pauses so have the courage to stay silent for up to five seconds – dramatic pauses like this convey authority and confidence.

 

2.     Verbal Communication or what you say:

2a.  Know your Audience: The words you choose will be different if you are talking to 200 people at a conference, a trusted colleague, your boss, or your children. You need to think about your audience’s overall level of understanding of the subject, and also the type of language that you use.

2b.  Catch the attention: You can begin with a relatable quote, a short story, an important related fact, an important related number, or start with “WHY”- why what you are saving is important to the listener. Also involve the listeners in a short conversation, if possible, in the beginning. For example, imagine you have to address the students at a college about their future opportunities, you can start your presentation with an infinity

 symbol and ask them what is it. They will come up with some answers. Then you say “this (infinity) is the number of opportunities that wait for you in the world and I am here to tell how can you best prepare yourselves for them”

2c.  Be clear in with your message: Be clear in your head, what do you want to share. The most important information must be emphasized. One rule to remembered is don’t give many important messages at a time. One at a time. Or it will all get diluted.

2d.  Elaborate with example: Where ever possible explain with an example, it is one of the best ways to explain something.

2e.  Practice: There is no substitute to practice. For an important speaking assignment, practice much as you can. Saying it out in front of mirror also helps. Or you may record it and see the recording to analyse how you did.