By the end of the lesson, learners will be able to:
- Differentiate between types of diction (formal, informal, slang) used in various persuasive texts.
- Identify the target audience of a persuasive statement based on diction and style.
- Evaluate how diction aligns with the intended audience to enhance persuasiveness.
- Diction - the writer’s word choice that shapes meaning, tone, and effectiveness.
- Formal Diction - professional, precise, and grammatically correct word choice, often used in reports and speeches.
- Informal Diction - conversational and casual style, suitable for narratives and personal communication.
- Slang - very informal expressions used by particular groups, often playful or trendy.
- Target Audience - the specific group of people a persuasive text is meant to influence.
- Experts - individuals with specialized knowledge in a field.
- Laypeople - individuals with little to no technical knowledge of the subject.
- Managerial - people in authority, responsible for decisions and leadership.
- Rank-and-file - everyday workers or employees who perform operational tasks.
- Hypothetical Audience - an imagined group used for shaping a message conceptually.
Let’s Recall!
Directions: Match the statements with the correct type of audience. Write your answers in your notebook.
- A doctor explains the results of a medical study to other physicians using technical terms.
- A supervisor gives a motivational pep talk to employees on the factory floor.
- A politician imagines how undecided voters might react to their speech.
- A marketing executive delivers a presentation to the company’s board of directors.
- A teacher explains the water cycle to Grade 3 pupils in simple words.
Show Answer
- Experts
- Rank-and-file
- Hypothetical audience
- Managerial
- Laypeople
1. Understanding Diction in Real Contexts
On Day 1, you explored what diction and style mean. Today, we go further: diction is not only about the words an author chooses, but also about how those words fit the audience.
Imagine you are speaking to your best friend about a movie. You might say:
- “That movie was lit!” - informal, slang, playful tone.
But if you were writing a review for a school newspaper, you might say:
- “The movie offered excellent performances and a compelling story.” - formal, precise, academic tone.
Both sentences express the same idea (the movie was good) but the choice of words changes based on who will read or hear them.
2. Types of Diction with Audience Examples
Formal Diction
- Used in professional settings, business reports, legal documents, and speeches.
- Example: “It is crucial to adhere to compliance policies to avoid legal risks.”
- Audience: Managerial, Experts, Real
Informal Diction
- Conversational, often relaxed and clear. Used in storytelling, blogs, personal writing.
- Example: “We should stick to the rules so everything works out fine.”
- Audience: Laypeople, Rank-and-file, Real
Slang
- Very informal, culture- or group-specific language, often playful or trendy.
- Example: “Yo, that new game is lit! You gotta try it.”
- Audience: Laypeople, Hypothetical, Real
Diction is like choosing the right outfit - you would not wear pajamas to a job interview, and you would not wear a tuxedo to play basketball. Choosing words must match the setting and the people involved.
3. Who is the Target Audience?
Authors always write with a target audience in mind. Identifying this audience helps you understand:
- The level of detail in the text
- The type of vocabulary used
- The tone or style chosen
Let’s break down the categories:
Experts
- People with deep knowledge of a subject.
- Expect: data, technical terms, specialized vocabulary.
- Example: “The algorithm demonstrates polynomial time complexity.”
Laypeople
- People with little to no technical knowledge.
- Expect: simple explanations, analogies, common words.
- Example: “The computer runs faster because it follows shorter steps.”
Managerial
- People in decision-making roles (bosses, supervisors, leaders).
- Expect: focus on results, strategy, and efficiency.
- Example: “This project will increase productivity by 15% in the next quarter.”
Rank-and-file
- Everyday workers, the backbone of an organization.
- Expect: practical instructions, easy-to-apply steps.
- Example: “This new tool will save you 10 minutes per task.”
Hypothetical Audience
- Imagined or theoretical group created to test an idea.
- Example: A student writing a campaign speech for “undecided voters” who do not exist in the classroom but represent a type of audience.
4. Matching Diction to Audience
Here are some pairs to show how diction changes depending on who you talk to:
Example 1
- To a scientist: “The data analysis reveals statistically significant differences.”
- To a student: “The results clearly show the groups are not the same.”
Example 2
- To management: “This strategy guarantees a 20% return on investment.”
- To workers: “This method will make your job easier and save time.”
Example 3
- To friends: “That movie was fire, bro!”
- To a teacher: “The film presented a meaningful story that captured attention.”
5. Why Audience Matters
Imagine if a teacher used too much slang in class - it might confuse students. Or if a friend used very formal business language in a chat - it might sound odd or distant.
When diction matches the audience:
- The message becomes clear.
- The audience feels included and respected.
- The persuasion is more effective.
When diction does not match:
- The audience might feel confused.
- The message may sound fake or unbelievable.
- The purpose of persuasion may fail.
6. Real-Life Connections
- Politicians adapt their diction:
- In a rally: “My friends, together we can build a brighter future!”
- In parliament: “The proposed policy addresses the socioeconomic disparities in our region.”
- Teachers adapt their diction:
- To Grade 3 pupils: “Water goes up to the sky and comes down as rain.”
- To colleagues: “The hydrological cycle demonstrates phase changes of water in the atmosphere.”
- Advertisers adapt their diction:
- For youth: “This snack is epic, grab yours now!”
- For parents: “Nutritious and safe for your family.”
7. Easy Tips for Students
- Ask yourself: Who is my audience?
- Choose words they will understand.
- Match the tone: serious, casual, playful, or formal.
- Keep consistency: do not mix slang with very formal phrases in the same text.
- Remember: clear, audience-centered diction equals stronger persuasion.
References
- Burg, B. (2011). The art of persuasion: Winning without intimidation. Tremendous Life Books.
- Frederick, P. (2011). Persuasive writing: How to harness the power of words. Pearson Education.
- Malek, C. (2014). Language acts: Rhetoric and writing I: Academic reading and analytical writing. Fountainhead Press.
- McGuigan, B. (2007). Rhetorical devices: Handbook and activities for student writers. Prestwick House, Inc.
- Quinley, E. (2005). Persuasive writing. Saddleback Educational Publishing.
- Peters, M. (2014). Grammar and style. Penguin Group Publishing.
Worked Example 1 - Audience: Experts
Sentence: “The medication has proven efficacy in reducing hypertension.”
- Mini-Tasks:
- Rewrite for laypeople.
- Rewrite for managerial audience.
- Rewrite for rank-and-file workers.
Worked Example 2 - Audience: Laypeople
Sentence: “This new gadget makes cooking easier and faster.”
- Mini-Tasks:
- Rewrite for experts (technical).
- Rewrite for managerial audience (business results).
- Rewrite for hypothetical audience (students in a classroom activity).
Worked Example 3 - Audience: Managerial
Sentence: “This strategy ensures higher productivity and cost efficiency.”
- Mini-Tasks:
- Rewrite for rank-and-file workers.
- Rewrite for laypeople.
- Rewrite for friends (slang).
Worked Example 4 - Audience: Rank-and-file
Sentence: “This machine will make your tasks easier and save you time.”
- Mini-Tasks:
- Rewrite for experts.
- Rewrite for managerial audience.
- Rewrite for hypothetical voters.
Worked Example 5 - Audience: Hypothetical
Sentence: “If I were delivering this speech to undecided voters, I would stress unity and progress.”
- Mini-Tasks:
- Rewrite for experts.
- Rewrite for laypeople.
- Rewrite for managerial audience.
Show Answer
Sample Responses - varied answers possible:
Example 1
- Laypeople: “The medicine helps lower high blood pressure.”
- Managerial: “This product shows effectiveness that will improve patient outcomes and increase trust.”
- Rank-and-file: “This pill helps keep your blood pressure under control.”
Example 2
- Experts: “The device reduces preparation time through advanced thermal conduction.”
- Managerial: “This product will increase customer satisfaction and market growth.”
- Hypothetical: “If I told students about this, I would say it makes cooking fun and fast.”
Example 3
- Rank-and-file: “This plan will make your work faster and easier.”
- Laypeople: “The plan helps us save money and do things better.”
- Friends/Slang: “This move is a total win - gets stuff done quick and cheap!”
Example 4
- Experts: “The equipment demonstrates improved ergonomic design and operational efficiency.”
- Managerial: “Investing in this tool will maximize workforce productivity.”
- Hypothetical: “If I pitched this to voters, I would say it shows we care about their daily struggles.”
Example 5
- Experts: “The discourse would emphasize national cohesion supported by empirical development models.”
- Laypeople: “I would tell people that working together will help us move forward.”
- Managerial: “This vision ensures sustainable growth and collective progress.”
Directions: For each statement, identify the type of diction (formal, informal, slang) and the target audience (experts, laypeople, managerial, rank-and-file, or hypothetical). Write your answers in your notebook.
- “The fiscal policy adjustment is projected to stabilize inflation rates.”
- “Guys, you gotta check this out - it’s awesome!”
- “We need to stick to the plan if we want our project to succeed.”
- “The enzyme catalyzed the reaction, reducing the activation energy.”
- “This machine will help you finish your tasks in less time.”
- “This strategy will ensure growth in the next fiscal quarter.”
- “Bro, that performance was fire!”
- “The experiment confirmed the hypothesis with a 95% confidence level.”
- “Let’s work together to make our school a better place.”
- “By improving efficiency, we can reduce costs and boost profits.”
Show Answer
Sample Key
- Formal - Experts
- Slang - Laypeople (youth/friends)
- Informal - Rank-and-file
- Formal - Experts
- Informal - Rank-and-file
- Formal - Managerial
- Slang - Hypothetical / Laypeople
- Formal - Experts
- Informal - Laypeople
- Formal - Managerial
Directions: Answer the following. Use your notebook.
Multiple Choice (Items 1-5)
- Which of the following best describes formal diction?
- Casual and conversational
- Technical, precise, and professional
- Playful and slang-heavy
- Filled with exaggeration
- A sentence like “Yo, that game was sick!” is an example of:
- Formal diction
- Informal diction
- Slang
- Managerial tone
- Which audience expects technical vocabulary and complex explanations?
- Laypeople
- Rank-and-file
- Experts
- Hypothetical
- “This strategy will reduce costs by 15% this quarter” is best suited for:
- Managerial audience
- Laypeople
- Rank-and-file workers
- Hypothetical audience
- Which of the following is MOST appropriate for rank-and-file workers?
- “The ergonomic redesign will enhance productivity metrics.”
- “The new machine will make your work easier.”
- “The hydrological cycle demonstrates phase changes.”
- “The algorithm achieves polynomial time complexity.”
True or False (Items 6-10)
- Slang is appropriate in formal reports.
- Experts expect technical terms in persuasive writing.
- Laypeople prefer simple, clear explanations.
- Hypothetical audiences are imaginary but useful for shaping messages.
- Managerial audiences focus mainly on detailed scientific processes.
Short Answer (Items 11-15)
- Give one example of a slang expression and rewrite it in formal diction.
- Write one sentence suitable for experts.
- Write one sentence suitable for laypeople.
- Write one sentence that would persuade a managerial audience.
- Why is it important to match diction with audience in persuasive texts?
Show Answer
Answer Key
- b) Technical, precise, and professional
- c) Slang
- c) Experts
- a) Managerial audience
- b) “The new machine will make your work easier.”
- False
- True
- True
- True
- False
- Example: “That’s lit!” → “That is excellent.”
- “The compound demonstrated significant biochemical activity.”
- “The medicine helps people get better faster.”
- “This program will improve efficiency and increase profit margins.”
- Because the right diction ensures clarity, credibility, and stronger persuasion.
Activity 1: Spot the Audience
Read this sentence: “The procedure significantly decreases systolic pressure in patients.”
- Identify the diction.
- Identify the intended audience.
Show Answer
Formal diction - Audience: Experts.
Activity 2: Rewrite the Line
Take the sentence: “The project will increase revenue by 15%.”
- Rewrite for rank-and-file workers.
- Rewrite for laypeople.
Show Answer
Rank-and-file: “This plan will make your work faster and easier.”
Laypeople: “This project will help us earn more money.”
Activity 3: Slang to Formal
Change these slang sentences into formal diction:
- “Yo, that plan is dope!”
- “The teacher totally roasted him.”
Show Answer
1. “That plan is excellent.”
2. “The teacher strongly criticized him.”
Activity 4: Imagine the Audience
Write one persuasive sentence that would target a hypothetical audience (for example, “undecided voters” or “future students”).
Show Answer
Sample: “If I were speaking to undecided voters, I would say we need unity and fairness to move forward together.”
Activity 5: Audience Switch
Take this sentence: “This workshop will help improve skills and productivity.”
- Rewrite for experts.
- Rewrite for managerial audience.
Show Answer
Experts: “The training program enhances technical competencies and task efficiency.”
Managerial: “This workshop will increase overall workforce performance and improve company outcomes.”
Option 1: Write 3-5 Sentences
In your notebook, write 3-5 sentences reflecting on how diction changes depending on the audience. Share one example of how you would say the same idea differently to a friend, to a teacher, and to a boss.
Option 2: Guiding Questions
- Why is it important to identify the target audience in persuasive writing?
- How does diction make a message more effective?
- Which type of audience do you find easiest to write for, and why?
Option 3: Self-Checklist (Tabular Form)
| Skill/Understanding | Yes (✔) | Not Yet (✘) |
|---|---|---|
| I can define diction and give examples. | ||
| I can distinguish between formal, informal, and slang diction. | ||
| I can identify experts, laypeople, managerial, rank-and-file, and hypothetical audiences. | ||
| I can match diction to the correct target audience. | ||
| I can rewrite sentences to fit different audiences. |
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