You might or might not have heard about tone words and writing tone. However, I won’t agree you have not used them. Knowingly or unknowingly you have been using them.
I am yet to come across an analyzer tool that summarizes the emotional quotient of an article. Nonetheless, if one surfaces, it will most definitely be based on the use of tone words.
In this quick article, we shall
gather some rudimentary facts about writing tone and tone of words
learn from an example and
focus on how a blogger should go about using these words.
Finally a list of tones of writing, commonly used by bloggers and the related words will be supplied. Hence, do not forget to read till the end. Share it with fellow bloggers to help them find and develop their tone.
Page contents
What Are Writing Tone and Tone Words
*viewpoint* *attitude* *diction* *syntax*
The writing tone of a writer consists of her viewpoint– the way she understands a subject and expresses , and her attitude– the own personalized way of expressing to her audience.
That means, the definition of writing tone encompasses words she would use, the limit up to which she stretches herself and the form in which she serves her writing to make her perception hit the reader the way she wants.
Though mostly the tone would come naturally, as an instinct from the writer, she may also assume it artificially to let the audience feel in a particular way.
The attitude of the writer that we just talked about, consists of choice of words (diction) and the norms of word usage(syntax). This choice of words needed to express the attitude are called tone words.
They are the tailoring weapons of the writer. They build up the mood of the reader bit by bit in a particular direction. If writing tone is the bow, tone words are the arrows.
For example, a writer could use words for making the reader feel cheerful, lighthearted and motivated. On the other hand, to drive his point home, he may also opt to use words that create a sad, regretful and pessimistic scenario.
Usage Example
Have a look at the piece of writing below:
Writing Tone and Tone Words Example
The moment you read this, the phrase ‘amazing thing’ grasps your attention and starts uplifting your mood.
The usual drowsiness surrounding your daily chores starts to escape. The yawning within you that was waiting to happen, takes a step back.
“Not today”, you say to yourself. Today, you have chosen to be better, to walk a step more, and to yearn for another chance.
‘Honest’ and ‘what you love’ instill truthfulness and belief. In addition, the choice of the words and phrases, ‘happy’, ‘begin to live’, ‘human’ and ‘ride the wave’ make you feel prosperous.
Finally, a wave of positively toned diction made with ‘contentment’, ‘joy’, ‘fluidly’, ‘steadily’, ‘calm’, ‘grateful’ and ‘new perspective’ makes you smile in fulfillment.
Overall, the writer has
successfully conveyed his wholesome, heartfelt perceptions
made you savor the feast of life, and
left you with an intention to do something good for those around
This is the magic of writing tone. Have you ever bothered to find what your tone is? Will you discover it and help it evolve?
A child, even at low height of the academic ladder, has a perspective. Didn’t you, as a college undergrad, support a notion very intensely?
That means you had, have and will continue to have attitude. And so if you are a writer of any kind and any stature, you will have a writing tone.
The basics of academic writing, which is more formal than a personal account (which a blog mostly is), are laid on succinct statements and established terminologyand are confined within the realms of structured parlance.
On the other hand, the style of writing in blogging thrives on simplicity, customization and self evolution. For instance, a blogger’s
traffic skyrockets
earnings increase 4 X
working hours are 24 by 7 at times
most ‘go to‘ places are ….
The point here is, the style in blogging is taking shape of its own.
However, within the boundaries of such style, bloggers have their own tone:
Some provide data and stats frequently to support statements. Let us name it ‘factual tone’.
Others would use ‘humor or sarcasm’ frequently to lure their readers to stop them from stepping out of their posts.
Still others would promise an increase in your earnings should you apply their methods or should you not, you would be left behind others. Can we call that a ‘ FOMO’tone?
There might be many more.
So, identify your writing tone (Or you could name it…your blogging tone :D). Start shooting one post after another. Hitherto you were doing it without intention.
Now, having identified your own voice, keep repeating, modulatingand strengthening it.Remember, your audience identifies you with your writing tone. And you need to master it.
Keep sprinkling tone words of your choice on the content you create. Keep doing this until you are known by own tone (:D).
Bloggers’ Methodology
*perspective* *emotions* *mood*
Step-1
If you have not still identified your tone, start with summarizing the following in about 100 words each:
What’s generally my take when I try to understand others’ problems?
How do I deliver my emotions to people?
How do others feel on hearing my stand?
The last of these points indicates a blogger may also choose to go for a quick ‘mood definition’ and some examples thereof. However, let’s leave it for some other time.
So, once you are done with the three points above, you’ll definitely have known your viewpoint and attitude. Start brainstorming.
Step-2
Now that you know about the factors due to which your audience follows you, the next job is to prepare your ammunition.
Below, find a list of some common writing tones followed by a list of tone-words.
Suggested words are not necessarily synonyms.Their job is to carry an effect and create a mood. This is only an indicative list which can be expanded by a blogger and made into an inventory.
Next, while working on a blog post, decide your tone beforehand. Though every writer is particularly skilled in one or certain tones but that does not mean the tone has to be same for all your articles.
Step-3
While taking several rounds of edit of your raw blog post, you should reserve one of the rounds for appropriately placing the right tone words.
Start choosing either from the list below or any of several better lists available online. For instance, hereis one.
And that’s it.
Tone Words List for Bloggers
This is a list of some basic ‘tone names’ and related ‘tone words’ or phrases
Great writers are known by their writing styles, voices and tones. On a weekend, when you want to distance yourself from the monotonous daily routine and need to read a gory murder mystery, you choose Agatha Christie, because you want to read that tone.
And a blogger is no different. He is known by his audience for the mood he can create. The addicts of that mood never desert him.
Bloggers have spent long spans learning about transition words, stop words and power words. Now is the time for a face off with words that carry your opinion and impact.
Your tone would discipline you to always be in track . The words that constitute your tone, are your valuable belongings. Preserve them and accumulate them whenever you come across new ones.
Do You Know Your Tone?
This is high time you developed a unique writing style and tone of your own. If you have already coined yours, why not share it with others?
Mention a tip or two from your ‘tips and tricks’ box in connection with the tones you use, so everyone would benefit from the same.
Comment box and social share buttons are at your disposal please.
