Chapter 9: Language
Parallelism
Arrangement of related words so they are balance or of related sentences so they have identical structures
Rhythm
Arrangement of words into patterns so the sounds of the words together enhance the meaning of phrase
Semantic Triangle of Meaning
Contains symbol (left), referent (right), thought or reference (top). Bottom of the triangle is broken, reflecting the arbitrary nature of language
Language, Imagery, and Rhythm
Does the speech inspire you when you speak it? Do they create a picture in your mind of what you are describing? This is the effect that speaking creates. Two general categories that can help you draw listeners into your ideas are: 1) Language that creates memorable imagery 2) Language that creates a pleasurable rhythm
Personification
Figure of speech that attributes human characteristics to animals, objects, or concepts
Metaphor
Figure of speech that makes a comparison between to things by describing one thing as being something else
Simile
Figure of speech that makes an explicit comparison of two things using like or as
Idiom
Fixed, distinctive expression whose meaning is not indicated by its individual words
Language that Creates memorable Imagery
Language can call to mind engaging sights, smells, tastes, and sounds. We can bring an idea to life and make abstractions seem concrete through the use of similes, metaphors, personification, etc. They call up images without calling attention to themselves
Concrete language
Language that refers to a tangible object - a person, place, or thing
Abstract language
Language that refers to ideas or concepts but not to specific objects
Thought or Reference
Memory and past experiences that audience members have with an object, concept, or event (TOP OF TRIANGLE). Connotative
Mixed metaphor
Metaphor that makes illogical comparisons between two or more things. Ex: By my count, the current package has just one major flaw. It could do a lot more to change how the government spends its money. It doesn't have nearly the amount of the fresh, reformist thinking as Mr. Obama's campaign speeches and proposals did. Instead, the bill is mostly a stew of spending on existing programs, whatever their warts may be.
Referent
Object, concept, or event a symbol represents (RIGHT CORNER OF TRIANGLE). Denotative
Language and Culture
People in different ______ have different life experiences and thus name and define the world differently. As speakers, we can adapt our language to suit the ______ of the people , or if don't know it well enough, we can acknowledge the differences as we speak
Antithesis
Placement of words and phrases in contrast or opposition to one another Ex: And so, my fellow Americans: Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country."
Spoken Language is more Repetitive
Public speakers intentionally repeat main ideas and arguments. they summarize their main points and restate important arguments to help their audiences remember them
Repetition
Repeating keywords or phrases at the beginnings or endings of sentences or clauses to create rhythm
Alliteration
Repetition of initial sounds of two or more words in a sentence or phrase
Language and Gender
Speakers use this in their speaking. Using this reflects your awareness of both men and women as valued and active participants in the world
Oral Style
Speaking style that reflects the spoken rather than the written word
Language and Public Speaking
Spoken vs Oral Word. Speakers try to "talk" their speeches in order to convey language that is meant to spoken, not read. this way they are more "listenable" and easier to understand.
Language
System of verbal or gestural symbols a community uses to communicate
Mnemonic device
Verbal device that makes information easier to remember
Language creates a pleasing rhythm
We can strengthen the images we create with our words by focusing on the way they sound when put together. Parallelism, repetition, alliteration, and antithesis are four ways to emphasize your ideas with this
Spoken Language is more Interactive
When we speak, we make adjustments, monitor audience's interest and understanding, and ask or respond to questions. The language reflects the shifts, pauses, and adjustments we make. Our expressions/gestures put more emphasis on words, giving this a different one than written language
Symbol
Word or phrase spoken by a speaker (LEFT CORNER OF TRIANGLE)
Language and Accuracy
Words have different meanings, yet they are often confused. You should check the definitions of words you are using and if your use of language is not as strong as you'd like, work with someone who has strong language skills, study the language. This way your audience will receive a clear picture of what you are trying to say and not get confused in the process
Spoken Language is more Casual
Written language tends to be more formal, with exceptions. Words are bunched together when we speak to form slang/colloquialisms