Introduction
In the clip Roxanne, it is demonstrated how there are many ways to describe feelings and emotions. While some are more direct, others are more elegant metaphors. It all comes down to the style of writing which varies based on context and can have significantly different reactions from its reader. Although this scene exaggerates the concept, it is inherently important to consider style when writing for any purpose, as it can be just as important as the content of the text itself.
Style Matters
Most people are taught to write sincerely and briefly to ensure a smooth transition of ideas using something known as the C-B-S model. Lanham strongly criticizes this theory, highlighting that sincerity depends mostly on social roles, while the concept of briefness varies on the situation. In practice, writing should be just as much about style as it is about the functional capacity of transferring ideas. However, sincerity can be incorporated in all styles, including professionals.
In his memo, Kreifeldt notes that business communication has become unclear, cluttered, and deceptive. In the attempt to please its stakeholders, the writing does not present realities in its true light. Through clear and honest corporate communication, trust can be established, leading to success.
Conclusion
According to Lanham, becoming a good writer requires mastering rhetoric. Various rhetoric devices add to the stylistic characteristics of text, substantially enhancing the quality, engaging the reader, and more importantly, describing the true intent of human motive. In her article, Lahiri notes the importance of style and rhetoric in stimulating perceptions and fantasies of a reader. A well-written sentence can create imagery, set a mood, and provide a greater level of complexity of the whole text.
It becomes metaphorically similar to peeling an onion, opening up new layers. Texts written with great investment in their style and beauty have special meanings, perceived partially from a reader’s personal experiences. Therefore, coming back to such stories after some time or reading it in various stages of understanding a foreign language, can have a significantly different impact and connection with the reader.
References
Ha, M. (2019). Roxanne the letter. Web.
Kreifeldt, E. (2004). Corporate candor builds trust and competitive advantage. Kelley Alumni Internet Scholarship.
Lahiri, J. (2012). My life’s sentences. The New York Times.
Lanham, R. A. (2003). Analyzing prose (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Continuum.