Chapter 10 - Using Language Well

regionalisms

words and phrases specific to a particular region or part of the country EX: y'all, soda pop

overcomplicated language

- audience may believe you are fake - inhibits your ability to communicate clearly

concrete and precise language

- important because language is abstract - avoid using generic terms such as "bad" or "large" - avoid the use of jargon - avoid the use of slang

communication vs. language

communication: the transfer of what is in our minds to the minds of others language: simply a means by which we communicate

metaphor

comparison made by speaking of one thing in terms of another EX: "her face was the sun"

simile

comparison of two unlike things using "like" or "as" EX: "her face was as bright as the sun"

antithesis

contracting statements in order to make a rhetorical point EX: "ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country"

sexist language

language that creates sexual stereotypes or implies that one gender is superior to another

personalized language

language that directly connects your topic/argument to audience; use words like us, you, and me EX: "this will impact you" vs "this will impact the country"

heterosexist language

language that reveals an assumption that the world is heterosexual, as if homosexuality or bisexuality did not exist

the generic "he" or "man"

language that uses general words to refer to the male and female population EX: using mankind instead of humankind to refer to all people

hedges

powerless phrases such as "I thought we should," "I sort of think," or "Maybe we should" that communicate uncertainty

qualifiers

powerless words such as "around" or "about" that make your sentences less definitive

the power of language

the words we use to define something can have an impact on how we perceive what those words represent

stylized language

communicates your meaning clearly vividly, and with flair

4 types of incorrect grammar

1. basic error 2. mispronunciations 3. regionalisms 4. colloquialisms

other things to avoid while speaking

1. clichés 2. language central to the popular culture at the time

6 types of stylized language

1. metaphors 2. smilies 3. alliteration 4. antithesis 5. parallel structure and language 6. personalized language

things to avoid in public speaking

1. profanity 2. exaggeration (except hyperbole) 3. uncertain language (it seems, etc.) 4. hedges, tags, and qualifiers

importance of language for public speakers

1. the careful use of language can make the difference between a remarkable speech and a forgettable one 2. remember that audience members may not share the same language for the definition of the same ideas 3. language that you use can say something about you and how you define the world

3 examples of sexist language

1. the generic "he" or "man" 2. man-linked terms 3. spotlighting

2 ways to construct clear messages

1. use simple language 2. use precise and concrete language

incorrect grammar

causes a speaker to lose credibility with their audience

hyperbole

exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally EX: it snows in Texas as often as pigs fly

slang

informal language, often considered inappropriate for formal occasions and text

language creates social reality

people with different experiences of the world can define the same things in different ways; therefore, language is not neutral

tag questions

powerless language exemplified by ending statements with questions such as "Don't you think?" or "Don't you agree?"

jargon

specialized language of a group or profession

ethical communications

that which does not unfairly label one thing or another based on personal bias; attempts to communicate reality to the best of one's ability

parallel structure or language

the balance of two or more similar words, phrases, or clauses EX: "I have a dream.... I have a dream.... I have a dream...."

language

the means by which we communicate; a system of symbols we use to form messages

alliteration

the repetition of the initial sounds of words EX: "she sells seashells by the sea-shore"

spotlighting

using phrases such as "he's a male nurse" or "that female lawyer;" implies that that person is deviating from the "norm"

man-linked terms

using terms such as fireman or policemen instead of firefighter or police officers

why is it important to consider ethical communcations?

when speakers are not careful to communicate ethically, it is possible to lose credibility with the audience and create the perception that you are someone that you are not

colloqualisms

words or phrases used in informal speech but not typically used in formal speech; should be avoided but can be used based on relationship audience EX: crick vs creek, sunday best, etc.