Writing Techniques for Expressing Ideas
Description, Exposition, Narration, Persuasion, Compare and Contrast
Writers use a variety of techniques to bring their ideas to their readers. The purpose of writing is to either persuade the reader to do something, to sway the reader's opinion one way or the other, or to inform the reader of something. Each of these processes are accomplished through the use of different techniques. Some techniques require the reader to use his or her own senses, while others will force the reader to think about consequences, results, and/or content. Following are some of the techniques used by writers to accomplish their writing goals.
Persuasion
This is a technique used by writers when they want to change the perspective or point of view of the reader. A writer will present facts as well as opinions in order to persuade the reader that a particular position or subject is right, wrong or sometimes even neutral. Examples of persuasive writing appear in political speeches, letters to the editor and in essays aimed at convincing the reader of something.
Storytelling
This technique is also often used to persuade a reader. By telling a story, the writer can present the facts or opinions in a way that helps the reader make an independent decision about something. Becoming a better story teller is a goal of persuasive writers with the end result being a narrative that is easy to read and understand, making the reader think about the subject and how it affects him or her so a decision can be made as to how he or she feels about the topic. There is more information on persuasive writing techniques at this CopyBlogger website.
Description
A writer can effectively help the reader understand the content through the use of description. When a reader uses his or her sense of sight, hearing, smelling, or even tasting to have a similar experience as the writer, the reader will more fully understand what the writer is trying to say. The use of descriptive adjectives in the writing is one way to describe something. Descriptive writing is one of the more common forms of writing and can be found in books, magazines, and newspapers.
Write from MemoryThere are many descriptive writing techniques that can be used to help the reader figure out what the writer is talking about. One of these is writing from memory. If the subject is something the writer is very familiar with and can relate it to personal experience, it is helpful to write it in context with the writer's memories of an event, place, or even smell so that it becomes real for the reader. There are more examples of descriptive writing techniques at Ability Writing, a MontanaLife Website.
Repetition
Another common writing technique is the use of repetition. This is common in advertising as well as persuasive writing. It is possible to alienate the reader with repetition if it is done badly. The most effective way to use repetition is to make the point using a variety of techniques like example, in a story, or even a quote from someone who is knowledgeable in the content area. For example, do not quote someone who plays a doctor on TV, quote an actual doctor. Use the point again in the summary of the article or essay, but do not belabor it.
Compare and ContrastA method of writing that offers the similarities and differences about a topic is called compare and contrast. When comparing the elements of a topic, like the habits of teenagers throughout history, the writer will discuss things that teenagers have always done and are still doing today. In contrast, the writer will provide information on things that are different, like dress styles, music likes and dislikes, etc.
Wrap it All Up
The best way to decide which technique to use is to experiment. Write a few paragraphs using different techniques and see which ones work the best. It is also a good idea to blend a variety of techniques in to a piece of writing, giving the reader some different perspectives on the content. Appealing to the different styles of readers by using multiple well integrated techniques will give the essay or article a wider readership as well.
Writing Techniques
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