Chapter 11: Using Language

Clutter

Discourse that takes many more words than are necessary to express an idea

Appropriateness to the speaker

Every public speaker develops his/her own language style

Alliteration

Repetition of the initial consonant sound of close or adjoining words

Appropriateness to the occasion

Should you use formal or informal language

Denotative Meaning

The literal or dictionary meaning of a word or phrase

Connotative Meaning

The meaning suggested by the associations or emotions triggered by a word or phrase

Rhythm

The pattern of sound in a speech created by the choice and arrangement of words

Parallelism

The similar arrangement of a pair or series of related words, phrases, or sentences

Generic "He"

The use of "he" to refer to both women and men

Imagery

The use of vivid language to create mental images of objects, actions, or ideas

Abstract Words

Words that refer to ideas or concepts

Concrete Words

Words that refer to tangible objects

Considerations for using language appropriately

1. Appropriateness to the occasion 2. Appropriateness to the audience 3. Appropriateness to the topic 4. Appropriateness to the speaker

Appropriateness to the audience

1. Avoid offensive language in formal speeches 2. Consider intellectual level of audience- do you need to use simpler vocabulary and explanations?

Guidelines for inclusive language

1. Avoid the generic "he" 2. Avoid the use of "man" when referring to both men and women 3. Avoid stereotyping jobs and social roles by gender 4. Use names that groups use to identify themselves

What are the basic stylistic devices that improve the rhythm of the speech?

1. Parallelism 2. Repetition 3. Alliteration 4. Antithesis

Ways to ensure there is no chance of misunderstanding

1. Use familiar words 2. Choose concrete words over abstract words 3. Eliminate verbal clutter

Appropriateness to the topic

1. Use straightforward description for explanations 2. Use special language skills (metaphors, etc.) to evoke emotion, admiration, and appreciation

Ways to generate imagery

1. Using concrete words 2. Using similes 3. Using metaphors

Thesaurus

A book of synonyms

Cliche

A trite or overused expression

Simile

An explicit comparison, introduced with the word "like" or "as," between things that are essentially different yet have something in common

Metaphor

An implicit comparison, not introduced with the word "like" or "as," between two things that are essentially different yet have something in common

Inclusive Language

Language that does not stereotype, demean, or patronize people on the basis of gender, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or other factors

Repetition

Reiteration of the same word or set of words at the beginning or end of successive clauses or sentences

Antithesis

The juxtaposition of contrasting ideas, usually in parallel structure