Diction: The Language of Rhetoric
Diction is the selection and arrangement of words. Diction can be controlled in the following ways:


The use of denotation and connotation (like in our opening warm-up activity).
The level of the words selected:
Writers use different
levels of diction in order to convey meaning, reveal purpose, and reach a specific type
of audience. Below are a variety of types of diction that a writer might employ.
High, formal, and sophisticated and erudite diction is elevated and elaborate; it follows the rules of
syntax exactly and avoids
idioms, colloquialisms, and slang. Formal language is characterized by complex
words that create a lofty tone.
Low or informal diction is the language of everyday use; it is relaxed and
conversational. It often includes common and simple words, idiomatic expressions, and jargon.
Concrete diction describes conditions or qualities that are exact and particular (logos), while abstract
diction refers to qualities that are emotional and theoretical (pathos, ethos). Works using specific and concrete words
tend to be visual, familiar, and compelling. In contrast, works using general or abstract words tend to be detached and
cerebral, frequently dealing with universal questions or emotions.
Technical language and jargon use a specialized vocabulary of a particular trade or profession.
Bureaucratese uses sheer volume of words or complicated syntax to overwhelm the audience .
the ordinary seem extraordinary, such as calling car mechanics “automotive internists.”
Inflated diction makes
Doublespeak pretends to
communicate but really does not; it always sounds good but means nothing. This type of language is often used by
politicians, who might desire to sound educated but really evade a difficult question or issue in their speaking.
Spin is
designed to create either a favorable or unfavorable picture of an issue, regardless of what the objective reality of that
issue is. Politicians, military leaders, entertainers, might be prone to use both spin and/or doublespeak.
Diction has the following potential effects on a given piece of writing:
 It creates tone and purposeful tone shifts.

It reveals aspects of the speaker or situation such as education, reliability, subjectivity or
objectivity, and feeling.
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It creates mood.

It matches form to function.

It reveals the attitude of the writer/speaker.
Diction Chart: Find examples of the kinds of diction and discuss why that level of diction was
employed by the writer (consider audience).
Diction Level
Abstract
Concrete
Formal/High/Erudite
Informal/Low/Slang
Jargon
Inflated
Spin
Satirical
Doublespeak
Example and Source
Reason for Use