2.5: Emphasis Strategies
Read this section, which describes communication tactics that can be used to emphasize a message or parts of a message: visuals, signposts, reviews, previews, and repetition. After you read, try the exercises at the end of the section.
This video and the one that follows focus on eliminating details that are unnecessary in delivering a message so that the key points in the message are not only clearer but also more emphatic.
Watch the videos and then revise the sentence above to remove unnecessary words and give the message more impact. Work on this part first: "eliminating details that are unnecessary in delivering a message". Using just three words would emphasize the point. This may be a good opportunity for you to use the discussion forum to interact with other students taking this course. See if your response is correct and effective by trying it out on your colleagues.
Descriptive language adds atmosphere, intensity, and drama to a situation. Watch this video to learn how to improve your messages by choosing words for impact. Descriptive language does not mean more words, which can just clutter your message. It means well-chosen words that will add emphasis to your message.
A communicator's "voice" can shift the emphasis of a statement. What does that mean? Practice by writing a sentence that uses passive voice, and then shift its emphasis by revising it to use active voice. This may also be a good opportunity for you to use the discussion forum to interact with other students taking this course. See if your response is correct and effective by comparing it to those of your colleagues.