What does diction refer to in writing or speech?

Diction refers specifically to the choice of words an author or speaker uses in their writing or speech. It encompasses connotations, the level of formality, the emotional weight of the words chosen, and how these choices affect the overall tone and style of the communication. For instance, an author might choose formal language to convey seriousness or a casual tone to create a sense of familiarity. This selection can greatly influence the audience's perception and understanding of the message being conveyed.

While structural organization pertains to how ideas are arranged (which affects clarity and coherence), sentence length focuses on the complexity or simplicity of sentences, and theme exploration deals with the underlying messages or ideas in a work, none of these elements define diction as thoroughly as the choice of words does. Thus, understanding diction is critical for analyzing and interpreting the nuances in literature and effective communication.