The Elements of Expression: Putting Thoughts into Words, Revised and Expanded ebook

by Jessica Morell,Arthur Plotnik

Jessica Morell Arthur Plotnik Words Language and Grammar English

Arthur Plotnik's Elements of Expression first makes the case for better expression - more varied, lively, forceful, and interesting - both verbal and written. Then he shows us how to achieve that

Arthur Plotnik's Elements of Expression first makes the case for better expression - more varied, lively, forceful, and interesting - both verbal and written. Then he shows us how to achieve that. Loaded with examples from Plato to rap, this book sparkles with wit, insight, and a love of words evident on every page. A ge. -Nancy Kress, author of Beginnings, Middles, and Ends.

The Elements of Expression book. No snob or scold, the acclaimed word-maven Arthur Plotnik explores the full range of expressiveness, from playful "tough talk" to finely wrought literature, with hundreds of rousing examples.

No snob or scold, the acclaimed word-maven Arthur Plotnik explores the full range of expressiveness, from playful "tough talk" to finely wrought literature, with hundreds of rousing examples.

Arthur Plotnik's Elements of Expression first makes the case for better . In Elements of Expression, Arthur Plotnik covers it all: word choice, style, usage, syntax, and the difference between them.

Arthur Plotnik's Elements of Expression first makes the case for better expression - more varied, lively, forceful, and interesting - both verbal and written. This book will help any reader freshen their speech and purge it of the well-worn clichéd patterns of our time and stale mainstays such as awesome and amazing. What’s more, he does it in a way that is funny and fundamentally helpful.

Arthur Plotnik, Richard Waterhouse, Jessica Page Morrell. A funny and useful grammar book! There are many grammar and usage books that give advice on correct English. This isn't one of them. The Elements of Expression targets expressiveness as a goal apart from getting it technically right. Imagine the yawns a sportscaster would induce by announcing, "His bat struck the ball and the ball went into the stands," instead of "He took that ball downtown!".

The Elements of Expression - Arthur Plotnik. The reissue of The Elements of Expression: Putting Thoughts into Words underlines just why Plotnik serves as a beacon and mentor to so many. Also by Arthur Plotnik. Trying to summarize all the ground this volume covers would be hopeless, but it’s just what a reference book should be: meaty, thoughtful, layered, and inspiring. As you read along, expect hidden cogs in your brain to lurch into motion and your fingers to twitch, eager to jot down fresh phrases.

The Elements of Expression targets expressiveness as a goal apart from getting it technically right

The Elements of Expression targets expressiveness as a goal apart from getting it technically right. Imagine the yawns a sportscaster would induce by announcing, His bat struck the ball and the ball went into the stands, instead of He took that ball downtown! And why say, I'd prefer it if you didn't volunteer your opinions, if what you really mean is When I want your advice, I'll beat it out of you (Chuck Norris, Code of Silence)?

The Elements of Expression targets expressiveness as a goal apart from getting it technically right.

If you're a words person, you should glom onto this book. Plotnik illustrates expressive writing and conversation with examples from Shakespeare to Don Johnson. There are two especially pithy chapters: "Grammar and Other Night Sweats" and "Make My Day: The Power of Tough Talk. The book concludes with a witty and original discussion of expressiveness in cyberspace-it's as fresh as today.

More than ever in this completely updated edition, The Elements of Expression helps word users "light up the cosmos or the written page or the face across the table" as they seek the radiance of expressiveness―the vivid expression of thoughts, feelings, and observations. Nothing kills radiance like the murky, generic language dominating today's talk, airwaves, and posts. It tugs at our every sentence, but using it to express anything beyond the ordinary is like flapping the tongue to escape gravity. The Elements of Expression offers an adventurous and inspiring flight into words that truly share what's percolating in our minds. Here writers, presenters, students, bloggers―even well intentioned "Mad Men"―will discover language to convey precise feelings, move audiences, delight and persuade. No snob or scold, the acclaimed word-maven Arthur Plotnik explores the full range of expressiveness, from playful "tough talk" to finely wrought literature, with hundreds of rousing examples. Confessing that we are all "like a squid in its ink" when first groping for luminous expression, he shines his amiable wit on the elements leading, ultimately, to language of "fissionable intensity."

Steamy Ibis

This book is a good read for aspiring writers. Although it simply reiterated many points most of us a know about, it also presented several thought provoking techniques. Its always good to hear about experienced writers who have gone beyond the norm and kicked their material up a notch by introducing new emotional techniques.

Asher

I gleened some good speaking ideas in the middle chapters of the book. Early chapters I found boating on different ways of speaking / writing. Overall, a somewhat difficult read with little to help me learn to speak more professionally to groups. I teach occasional training sessions

Briciraz

For better or worse this book turned me into a writer. I bought it when it first came out in 1996, devoured every word, and immediately felt empowered to "put thoughts into words." By far, the best book on the craft of writing I've ever read. Should be required reading for any college course on creative expression. Try to read it and *not* fall in love with the dry humor and intelligence of Arthur Plotnik. It can't be done. Can I give it 6 stars?

Maman

Elements of Expression isn't a writing guide per se - within this guide you can find advice on public speaking, letter writing, and undulling your conversation. Despite this broad focus I found this book to be the most helpful thing I've read on writing this year. I will confess at times I got lost on what point Plotnik was trying to make, but I didn't care because his writing is so enjoyable.

Cogelv

Art Plotnik had me at hello in his preface wherein he talks about what has happened to language in a world that has "gone global, mobiel, and app-crazy; it has linked friended, wiki'd, Yahoo'd and Googled from here to the back of beyond." I too lament this change in the world and wonder what it has done to our brain, let alone to language. Read this book, use your OWN words and enjoy the expansive, endorphining excellence of expressing yourself with wit and style."

Mopimicr

Any book by Plotnik belongs on a writer's shelf. He's my number one go-to for a basketful of writing goodies and tools. This, as all his books, is powerfully helpful and delightfully delightful. You will high-five yourself in the mirror if you get this book. Get all his books and revel in them. Under no circumstance do you want to miss Spunk & Bite -- a book with a magnet on the last page that draws your nose through Plotnik's words. I felt my brain/mind growing smarter and bigger with each page. Plotnik's work is like your own personal spice cabinet. Oh what it can do for the written word. He makes it all great fun and exciting.

GODMAX

The book is cumbersome to read. The author gives some tips on good expression, but spends too much time making comments on the way
some people write or talk. I couldn't finish the book. It was tedious to find his examples of good expression. Many of the examples he
gave used too many adjectives.
The comments in the gray blocks in the book use print that's too small.
I don't recommend this book.

For a while now I have been searching for a book on how to better express my intentions in my writing until I came upon this book. I didn't buy it from Amazon instead got it from my local brick and mortar book store, but I feel this book deserves a good review.

It doesn't just talk about the general means of methods of expression in writing, but also for actual vocal media as well such as speech or conversational speaking. An excellent book.

But I should mention that this is for those who are very familiar with the English language and are looking to further sharpen their skillsets. If you still have ways to go, then only attempt this book once you feel comfortable in basic English reading and writing otherwise you might find this book boring and not helpful at all.