The Power of Words Connotation Denotation and Tone

The Power of Words: Connotation, Denotation and Tone

Is this…. A House? A Home? A Residence?

When you’re talking to friends, do you say: • It’s late – time to go to my house. • It’s late – time to go home. • It’s late – time to go to my residence. Why? Which of these words would a real estate agent use when trying to sell property? Why?

Denotation = Dictionary meaning Connotation = Emotional meaning

Connotation and Tone What is TONE in writing and speaking? Tone is the attitude the “speaker” presents in speech or writing. Tone helps create feelings in the reader or listener (the audience). How do you think connotation contributes to tone?

Negative versus Positive Tone e r u t a m Im What is the denotation of the word “immature? ” Is the denotation positive or negative – or neither? What about its connotation? How does it make you feel to be called immature?

What tone (attitude) is presented in each of the following? • You are too immature to get a driver’s permit. • You are too young to get a driver’s permit. Why?

What feelings do each of these words create? Are they positive? Negative? Neutral? • Skinny… Slim… Scrawny… Anorexic… Slender • Uneducated… Ignorant… Untaught… Brainless • Fat… Chubby… Husky… Obese… Stocky… Big Which would you rather be called?

Consider… • I am strong minded, but you are opinionated. • The difference between vandalism and a harmless prank depends on whose child committed it. • If it was your fault, we had a collision, but if it was my fault, we just bumped fenders. • They try to change Our minds by propaganda, but We try to change Their minds by information. • Their nation has a network of spies, but our nation takes security measures. --by Sydney J. Harris (essayist)

Formal versus informal tone • Cool = OR • Lame = OR ? ?

Consider… • You are fund raising for a club or band are asking a business organization for money. • Would you use: – Cool or excellent to describe your group? – Awesome or appreciated to describe donations? – Lame or unfortunate to describe the financial situation your group is in? Why?

A few more to consider… • If you are writing against the death penalty, would you use the word Execution or Kill? Why? • If you are describing a girl or boy you like to your grandmother, would you use the word Hot or Good looking? Why? • If you are describing a movie you didn’t like to your friends, would you use the word Lame or Substandard? Why?

Now it’s your turn… • Write an encouraging letter to a friend who thinks she’s too fat. • Write a letter to your school principal to ask that more be done to stop bullying. • Write a letter to the head of the local animal shelter telling them why you would be a great volunteer. • Write an editorial for the school newspaper encouraging students not to litter.

The Power of Words! Use what you now know about denotation and connotation to make all of your writing and speaking more powerful!