The Tone of Ridgefield

I have recently received a letter in the mail informing all residents in the city of Ridgefield about rate increases for all utilities. The amount of the increase is only a few dollars, so it is very insignificant. I have lived in Ridgefield for almost four years and every year the rate is increased. The reason for the increases are because of either taxes or increased cost. I have talked to other citizens and some of them are upset about the constant increases. So with all of this background information considered, the letter needs to have a calm, indirect tone that informs negative information.
The letter begins by telling the reader how Ridgefield is committed to serving their residents and how they provide excellent service. This is a way to make the reader feel secure about living in Ridgefield. The tone is confident and direct. The letter then changes to a soft, apologetic tone. The letter explains the purpose of the letter by explaining why, what, and when. After the first two sentences of the apologetic tone, the letter transitions towards a calm, direct tone. It's a sense that since the unfortunate news has been exposed, now it's time to explain all the details.
The letter next offers possible ways to get assistance with paying the increases if you can't afford it. The tone in this portion of the letter feels helpful. It is a sense that the city will do what they can to move forward. This section is followed by the closing paragraph. In the last paragraph, the author explains how they feel about the news. They explain it like they're not happy with it, but it is necessary. The tone is empathetic. It makes the reader feel like they understand your reaction to the news, but they have no choice.












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Is Rhetoric All Around Us?

Rhetoric is a new term in my vocabulary. I am sitting here trying to think of what to write about rhetoric. My professor has taught me that the meaning of rhetoric includes three Greek terms. The three terms are ethos, pathos, and logos. Ethos is self, pathos is emotion and logos is logic. I believe these each define a way of persuasion. There were advertising examples given in class to help define rhetoric.

The advertising examples has made me realize how I see rhetoric being used all the time. Companies market their products or services using self, emotion, and logic to help acquire customers. I think all advertisements we see on television and magazines are using some form of rhetoric. Without the concept of rhetoric, it would be tough to stay in business.

Thoughts About Writing and Communication

I used to think writing is boring and pointless. English along with writing has always been my weakest subject. I was above average on all subjects except for English and writing. My mom always helped me through my childhood to become a better writer. I believe this help has made me a better writer.
As I grew older, I have realized the importance of good communication skills in the job force. My previous job, I was responsible for customer satisfaction for a home building company. This job allowed me to work on my communication skills with both internal and external customers. My awareness of the importance of good communication has made me strive to be better. At this particular place of employment, I have worked with people who were not very good writers. I have received many important letters from the corporate office with information pertaining to our customers. There were times when I couldn't understand what the letter was trying to tell me. There were many misspelled words and improper grammar. This wastes company time and money.
I do not think that all employees need to be English scholars or aspiring authors. I believe all employees should have a basic understanding of proper writing skills. Good communication is one of the most important ingredients of a successful business.

1st Task

I am trying my first post.