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