More effective writers in any field seek to use the right words to convey their messages. They understand the difference between denotation (direct meaning) and connotation (associated meaning), and they seek to match both with the context of their messages. That effort provides increased clarity, resulting in more effective communication.
Consider the example sentence in the cropped graphic at left. The writer could have used in spite of instead of despite. Both expressions have the same denotation (which is notwithstanding), but they have very different connotations. Despite suggests an effort to avoid or to deflect blame. In spite of simply juxtaposes two contrasting elements.
Does the writer of the example sentence above really want to play a blame game? Consider this revision:
Consider the example sentence in the cropped graphic at left. The writer could have used in spite of instead of despite. Both expressions have the same denotation (which is notwithstanding), but they have very different connotations. Despite suggests an effort to avoid or to deflect blame. In spite of simply juxtaposes two contrasting elements.
Does the writer of the example sentence above really want to play a blame game? Consider this revision:
In spite of their best efforts to reach desired production levels, plant managers failed to restore their facilities to profitability last quarter.
Without the revision, the sentence suggests that the plant managers are not responsible for the failure (which isn’t entirely true; management always bears at least some responsibility for results — or the lack thereof). With the revision, the sentence suggests that the plant managers did what was possible, but failure came anyway. The revision helps the sentence to convey a more realistic message while keeping the writer out of the political fray that playing the blame game often incites.
Some writers ignore not only the difference in connotation between despite and in spite of but also the confusion created by combing these two expressions together. More effective technical writers always avoid using despite of. The phrase is awkward and as such very ineffective at conveying anything meaningful.
So in spite of what you may think, beware despite and the blame game. Ensure your technical writing more effectively conveys your message by exercising more care in the words you use. Considering both the denotation and the connotation of the words you use will present not only your message but also you and your brands more effectively to your audience.
Some writers ignore not only the difference in connotation between despite and in spite of but also the confusion created by combing these two expressions together. More effective technical writers always avoid using despite of. The phrase is awkward and as such very ineffective at conveying anything meaningful.
So in spite of what you may think, beware despite and the blame game. Ensure your technical writing more effectively conveys your message by exercising more care in the words you use. Considering both the denotation and the connotation of the words you use will present not only your message but also you and your brands more effectively to your audience.
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