ToneCraft
Kate
MikeGoal
"ToneCraft" is a dynamic and interactive activity designed to improve digital literacy skills, specifically focusing on recognizing and conveying tone in online communication. Learners will be assigned different social media posts lacking the appropriate tone, and their challenge is to enhance the posts using emojis, punctuation, or text and image alterations to accurately capture the assigned tone of voice and intention of the message.
Attachments
Materials
Instructions
Introduction
Briefly explain the importance of tone in online communication and its impact on how messages are received.
Tone includes things like formality, clarity, and emotion. In online communications, the challenge lies in conveying tone without the aid of non-verbal cues like facial expressions or vocal intonations. Therefore, individuals must carefully choose words, punctuation, formatting, and imagery to accurately convey their intended tone and connect effectively with their audience.
Clarify that participants will be enhancing social media posts to reflect a specific tone of voice.
Group Formation
Form small groups. If virtual, use breakout rooms; if in person, assign physical spaces for each group.
Ensure each group has access to the assigned social media posts and the corresponding tone of voice.
Instructions
Distribute the social media posts to each group.
Have the groups look at their post and decide what kind of tone(s) the post currently has. Appendix B has examples of common tones.
Groups should discuss how they all understand the post (as there may be variances within the group).
Is the tone consistent throughout the post (the language, emojis, images used)?
Explain that their task is to enhance the posts in some way that may also change the tone of the post for the better. They can use emojis, punctuation, or suggest modifications to the text/images.
They can modify the post they have, or create a new one using materials provided (in person) or a digital social media post generator like Code Generator.
Activity
Instruct each group to work collaboratively, discussing and implementing changes to their assigned social media post to convey the desired tone effectively.
Encourage creativity and experimentation with different elements to capture the tone accurately.
Sharing and Guessing
Each group presents their original social media post and their enhanced social media post.
Other groups observe and add their thoughts and suggestions.
Facilitate a debrief using the debrief questions provided
Background
Preparation
Familiarize yourself with the Appendix A social media posts
Generate your own social media posts if preferred.
Familiarize yourself with the Appendix B tone examples.
If virtual, prepare a whiteboard with copies of the posts and the tone examples.
If in person, prepare hand outs of the posts and Appendix B.
Ensure access to a shared digital platform if the activity is conducted virtually.
Technology Considerations
Virtual: Ensure participants have access to virtual collaboration tools and have tested their cameras and microphones.
In-Person: No specific technology requirements, unless learners want to use a digital tool to generate their revised social media post.
Additional Context
Emphasize that recognizing and conveying tone is crucial for effective online communication and helps prevent misunderstandings.
Tips for Localization
Discuss how tone varies in different regions or communities during the debrief.
Acknowledge that cultural nuances may influence interpretations of tone, and ask learners to expand on this in the discussion.
Debrief Questions
Were there any differences within your group in terms of how people interpreted the tone of the original post?
Were there any challenges in accurately capturing the tone, and how did you overcome them?
What did you learn about the impact of tone on online communication through this activity?
How might cultural differences influence the interpretation of tone in online messages?
How can the skills developed in this activity be applied to improve your own online communication practices?
Sources:
All images used in this activity were generated from free offerings on Unsplash.
Appendix B: List of 20 Common Tones in Online Communications
Formal: Polished and professional language suitable for business or academic settings.
Informal: Relaxed, conversational, and friendly language often used in casual conversations.
Enthusiastic: Expressive and excited language conveying genuine enthusiasm or positivity.
Serious: Straightforward and earnest language, often used for important or solemn topics.
Playful: Light-hearted, fun, and whimsical language, suitable for entertainment or friendly interactions.
Confident: Assertive and self-assured language, conveying a strong sense of belief or certainty.
Humorous: Language infused with jokes, wit, or humor to entertain and engage the audience.
Inspirational: Motivational and uplifting language designed to inspire and encourage.
Sincere: Genuine and heartfelt language expressing authenticity and honesty.
Sympathetic: Compassionate and understanding language, conveying empathy and support.
Optimistic: Positive and hopeful language, focusing on the bright side of situations.
Neutral: Unbiased and objective language, presenting information without emotional influence.
Casual: Informal language used in everyday conversations, creating a relaxed atmosphere.
Cautious: Careful and restrained language, often used when addressing sensitive topics.
Authoritative: Commanding language that asserts authority or expertise on a subject.
Patient: Tolerant and understanding language, often used when providing guidance or instructions.
Diplomatic: Tactful and careful language used to navigate potentially sensitive situations.
Respectful: Polite and courteous language that demonstrates consideration for others.
Quizzical: Curious or questioning language that prompts engagement and discussion.
Reflective: Thoughtful and contemplative language, often used for introspection or analysis.
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