Context

Context Julie March

Nicole Rudat

Makenzi McHam

Avery Myers

Workplace or

professional writing

can be difficult to figure out...

but it is important to understand because a presentation is

a reflection of YOU and your work..

...and you want to make the best possible impression

in the short amount of time

you have been given.

To achieve a successful piece of writing you need the proper

context

But what exactly is context?

Well…

Context are the words in a sentence or passage that contribute to the full meaning of

the entire speech or written word...

...and

the words or other elements that surround the presentation and aid in

the overall meaning

Some examples:

“...it is unfair to quote out of context”

“...word processing is affected by the context in which the words appear”

“...you have misinterpreted my remark because you took it out of context”

Research shows that the vast majority

of words are learned or interpreted through context…

So it is crucial to get it right the first time.

To achieve the desired context

consider

three main attributes….

1. TONE

Tone is...

Tone can change…

The writer’s attitude on the topic that shows through the words used.

When the author changes his or her direction, mood, thoughts, and/or ideas.

Tone can affect the context because

words can have different meanings and connotations depending on what tone is

being used.

1. TONE 2. STYLE

Style is…

what sets a writer apart from the ordinary.

Style can change…

depending on the audience and the setting.

Style affects context because...

context is interpreted by word usage, the author can dress it up or down.

The context goal must be decided first before style can be utilized.

1. TONE 2. STYLE

3. FORMAT

Format is…

how a presentation is organized and how it helps the audience understand the presentation.

Format can change…

depending on the type of presentation and/or it’s overall objective.

Format affects context because…

it is based on how your presentation is formated, it will create context that can

be analyzed in different ways.

Once you have your desired

context

working in relation with

tone, style, and format…

How can you improve your use of context?

First… use context clues

Use phrases that help identify examples and explanations

Consider the possible ways that the piece could be interpreted

Second…decide what your goal is

What are you trying to convey and what would be the appropriate way to do so?

Third…remove barriers and consider the audience

Observe reactions when your context is presented. The

audience’s interpretation is key!

Lastly…Consider the environment Is it a business environment or a casual situation?

Consider recent experiences Consider any power dynamics that may be at play

Most of all….

Remember that

Positive context is good context.

Having a positive context can help you:

❖ Solve problems ❖ Motivate the audience ❖ Sell ideas ❖ Build strong work relationships

and so much more!

For example...

How important is it for the word please to be written in a request?

A survey showed that 70 percent

of people prefer please

or similar polite language in the requests they receive.

An additional 10 percent

feel disappointed, irritated, or angry if such language is

missing

To sum it all up….

Remember that context is

important because itaffects how you

and your writing are perceived.