Speak Up! Chapter 12 (Key Terms and Review Questions)

Define denotative meaning and connotative meaning, and describe the differences between the two.

Denotative meaning is the exact, literal dictionary definition of a word. Connotative meaning is the association that comes to mind when people hear a certain word or phrase. the words Rebel and Free Spirit both have very similar denotative meanings but very different connotative meanings, therefore you should consider the connotative meaning of the words you use and use ones that emphasize rather than distract from your points.

Verbal Clutter

Extraneous words that make a presentation hard to follow. To say "In spite of the fact that you disagree with me" is more verbally cluttered than "although you disagree with me"

Imagery

Mental pictures or impressions painted with vivid language.

Connotative Meaning

An association that comes to mind when a person hears a word. For example, saying "he tackled the project" brings to mind competitive sports and is a more vivid way to convey competence and enthusiasm than saying "he was excited to start the project and knew he could do a good job"

Hypothetical Example

An imagined example or scenario that a speaker invites his or her audience to consider in order to help them follow a complicated point presented immediately afterward.

Metaphor

An implicit comparison of unlike objects by identifying one object with another. For example, "Her advisor was a fount of knowledge"

Vivid Language

Attention-grabbing and descriptive words and phrases that appeal to the senses.

Describe three ways in which oral language differs from written language.

Oral language is more adaptive, written words are perfected and permanent, but spoken words can be more situational and adaptable if necessary. Oral language tends to be less formal, usually, you will have more of a conversational tone, and use simpler and less precise words and phrases so the audience can follow along easier. Oral language incorporates repetition, in writing, repetition is usually avoided, as it sounds redundant. Whereas, in presentations, repetition can help your audience remember certain points better and emphasize important keywords.

Explain four steps you can take to ensure that the language you use is unbiased and respectful.

Avoid Stereotypes as this will bias your audience and diminish your credibility. Use gender-neutral references, this keeps your speech inclusive and lets everyone connect with your points rather than just men, or just women. Make appropriate references to ethnic groups, this shows respect to your audience and gains appreciation from your listeners. Steer clear of unnecessary references to ethnicity, religion, gender, and sexuality. If it's not relevant and important to your point, leave it out. Unnecessary references to these things can diminish your credibility and lose the audience's respect.

Antithesis

Clauses set in opposition to one another, usually to distinguish between choices, concepts, and ideas.

Describe five tools you can use to express your ideas more effectively.

Repetition. Saying a specific word, phrase, or statement more than once helps grab your audience's attention and remember your point. Hypothetical examples. Use an example scenario to help your audience follow a complicated point by giving them a frame of reference. Personal anecdotes. A personal story helps to keep attention, build credibility, and connect with your audience. Vivid language. This grabs their attention and helps your audience picture and understand your point. Using imagery can create mental pictures and impressions. Figurative language. When used properly this can help your audience understand your idea better and clarify what exactly you are trying to say. Anaphora, antithesis, simile, and metaphor are types of figurative language.

Jargon

Specialized or technical words or phrases familiar only to people in a specific field or group.

Word Choice (Diction)

Taking into consideration the audience, occasion, and nature of one's message when choosing the language for a speech.

Denotative Meaning

The exact, literal dictionary definition of a word.

What four qualities ensure clear language?

Understandable language, if you can say something in plain language, do so. If you must use jargon, explain it. Concrete words, use concrete words and avoid abstract words unless it helps emphasize your point. Proper use of words. Use words that correctly express your point, if you use incorrect word choice, it may confuse your listeners. Concise language, Use the fewest words necessary to express a point. long sentences linking several ideas may be understandable in print but hard to follow in a speech. Avoid verbal clutter and extraneous words.

Figurative Language

Words and phrases that employ certain techniques to describe claims or ideas, in order to make them more clear, memorable, or rhetorically stylistic. Including Anaphora, Antithesis, Simile, and Metaphor.

Biased Language

Words, phrases, and expressions that suggest prejudice or preconceptions about other people, usually referring to their race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, religion, or mental or physical ability.

How does a speaker's choice of words affect his or her credibility?

Your words and phrases convey your credibility to an audience because they say something about you as a person. Using appropriate and considerate language can enhance your credibility, while using the wrong words can diminish it.

Simile

A complicit comparison of objects using the words "like" or "as." "My grandma's lap was as soft as a pillow"

Stereotype

A critical generalization based on the false assumption that characteristics displayed by some members of a group are shared by all members of that group.

Abstract Word

A generic term that can be ambiguous or confusing for an audience. Such as "I have a pet" versus "I have a grey tabby cat"

Anaphora

A repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive phrases, clauses, or sentences. Used to achieve emphasis and clarity, as well as a rhetorical sense of style.

Concrete Word

A specific word or phrase that suggests exactly what a speaker means. For example, to say a man was wearing a "dark blue suit" is more concrete than saying he was wearing "clothes"

Gender-Neutral Term

A word that does not suggest a particular gender.