Minds On
How is this communicated?
Brainstorm
Brainstorm
Explore the following video. As you explore, concentrate on how the message is communicated. Use the following fillable and printable document Brainstorming Chart to organize your ideas. You can also complete this activity in your notebook or using the method of your choice.
Press the ‘Activity’ button to access Brainstorming Chart.
Action
Tone
What do you believe tone means? Select the definition that you feel best represents the word.
After you’ve made your selection, press the ‘Answer’ button to reveal definitions of the word tone.
The dictionary definition of tone is: a vocal or musical sound of a specific quality (e.g., They spoke in a low tone).
In English literature, the tone of a work (either oral or written) expresses the author’s attitude towards or feelings about something, which they demonstrate through oral or written pieces.
Your tone influences how your reader or audience will respond to the content and subject. This, in turn, influences how they may feel about your message.
In the Minds On section, you explored a video and transcript where a presenter was sharing information about mathematics and how we can use tetrahedrons when building or designing.
Explore the content again, paying close attention to the tone this presenter uses.
- Feelings and attitudes (tone) is expressed in different ways. In what different ways was this presenter expressing his tone (feelings and attitudes) about this topic?
- How did this presenter’s tone influence you as you explored the video?
- What words were used? How does punctuation and sentence structure influence the tone of the message?
Record your ideas and thoughts in an audio recording, on paper, on a computer, or in an organizational tool of your choice.
Consolidation
Using different tones
Returning to the math video in the Minds On section once again, let’s think about how different tones would change the message of the content.
For one of the following tones, describe how the message of the content would change, how the influence of the content might change, and how the presenter would demonstrate this tone through words, actions, or other means.
- Serious
- Humorous
- Formal
- Optimistic (hopeful)
As a final thought, answer the following questions:
- How important is tone in communicating a message? Why?
- How is tone depicted in both written and spoken texts?
Record your thoughts and ideas orally, digitally, in print, or in a method of your choice.
Reflection
As you read the following descriptions, select the one that best describes your current understanding of the learning in this activity. Press the corresponding button once you have made your choice.
I feel...
Now, expand on your ideas by recording your thoughts using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.
When you review your notes on this learning activity later, reflect on whether you would select a different description based on your further review of the material in this learning activity.