Writing Tips: Language vs. Style

Have you ever thought about what type of language you should use in your writing? What about the style? If you haven’t, you should. Consider the following sentences:

1. Dick, the local high school quarterback, was recently killed in a car accident.
2. The town was left in sorrow today as Bronson High’s starting quarterback lost his life in a tragic car accident. Dick left behind a wife and two brand new baby boys.
3. Well folks, Dick has finally been brought to justice. The highly acclaimed star quarterback who dropped out of high school and forfited a full ride scholarship to Notre Dame was found dead tonight after a car chase with police. Dick gave up the American Dream for a nightmare of drugs and crime. Parents, you can rest assured now that the man is no longer patrolling your street corners. The only information we have been given so far is that the police ran the man off of the road after he repeatedly refused instructions to pull over. His car rolled five times, resulting in the loss of his life.

Quick exercise – Write down what you feel about the Dick in each of these sentences. If I did my job write, you should feel a little different about each one.

Now, the revelation. Each of these sentences is about the same person. However, by changing the words used and the style in which the information is presented the author can influence the way you FEEL when you read his writing. The most important consideration you should give to the language and style you choose to employ in your writing is the effect you want it to have on the reader.

You felt differently about each sentence because of the words I used, and the images they conjured up in your mind. So, how did I control your feelings about each character?

1. I controlled the flow of information. I can give you more, or I can give you less. It DOES have an effect.
2. I chose my words carefully. Many words have connotations, and I tried to use them for my purposes. For example, I mentioned that Dick left behind a wife and two brand new baby boys. This image should have made you feel sorry for them, and therefore for him.
3. I chose phrases that influence your thinking. In the last sentence I used phrases finally brought to justice, and American Dream. These phrases pass judgement on the character, and influence your thinking.

Choose your words carefully – it matters a lot.

If you liked this post, please feel free to digg it, or stumble it.

Happy writing

Justin