Updated 26 June 2014.

This is a list of resources and prompt questions I have curated on Register & Tone. Please feel free to use with credits back to this page. If you have a suggestion please do comment below.

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MULTIMEDIA EXAMPLES

Snickers Betty White (00:30)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTPJYZLD6L8

Snickers Aussie Tradies (1:11)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gjsoSY18kg

Computer says no baby delivery (2:56)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sX6hMhL1YsQ

Computer says no broken arm (2:39)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3IxMQsazAM

Computer says no hip replacement (2:20)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n0lL0vFvcg

Computer says no travel insurance (1:13)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJQ3TM-p2QI

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PROMPT QUESTIONS

– Were the vocal expressions of these characters (Betty White, Aussie Tradies) unexpected or surprising?

– Why so?

– What expectations did you have of these characters?

– What does this tell us about register and stereotypes?

– Why were these advertisements effective?

– How would you describe the character’s register and tone?

– What impressions did they portray as a service staff member?

– As a customer, what would you have expected out of them in these circumstances?

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