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ELEVEN

Using Language

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Language is important

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1.. Contrary to popular belief, language does not simply mirror reality.

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2. Language helps create our sense of reality by giving meaning to events.

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a. Language is not neutral.

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b. The words we use to label an event determine to a great extent how we respond to it.

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3. Words are vital to thinking itself.

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a. Thought and language are closely linked.

b. On most occasions when we are looking for “just the right word,” what we are really looking for is just the right idea.

Words are the tools of a speaker’s craft.

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a. Different words have different uses — just like the tools of any profession.

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b. Public speakers must choose the right words for the job they want to do.

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Denotative Meaning

The literal or dictionary meaning of a word or phrase.

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Connotative Meaning

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

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Guidelines for Using Language

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Accurately

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Clearly

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Vividly

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Appropriately

Using Language Accurately

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A. Using language accurately is as vital to a speaker as using numbers accurately is to an accountant.

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1. Speakers need to be sensitive to the shades of meaning of different words.

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2. Speakers should not use a word unless they are confident of its meaning.

B. Speakers who have serious aspirations should develop a systematic plan for improving their vocabulary.

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Using Language Clearly

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1. One way to ensure that a speaker’s meaning is clear is to use familiar words.

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2. A second way to ensure that a speaker’s meaning is clear is to use concrete words.

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3. A third way to ensure that a speaker’s meaning is clear is to eliminate linguistic “Clutter” (refers to the habit of using many more words than is necessary to express a speaker’s meaning.)

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Abstract vs. Concrete Language

Physical activity Sports Golf abstract/general Professional golf Tiger Woods concrete/specific

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Simile

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

Air pollution is eating away at the monuments in Washington, D.C., like a giant Alka-Seltzer tablet.

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Metaphor

An implicit comparison, not introduced with the words “like” or “as,” between two things that are essentially different yet have something in common.

America’s cities are the windows through which the world looks at American society. (Henry Cisneros)

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Parallelism

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

The denial of human rights anywhere is a threat to human rights everywhere. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. (Jesse Jackson)

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Repetition

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

We are a people in a quandary about the present. We are a people in search of our future. We are a people in search of a national community. (Barbara Jordan)

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Alliteration

Repetition of the initial consonant sound of close or adjoining words.

We should not demean our democracy with the politics of distraction, denial, and despair. (Al Gore)

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Antithesis

The juxtaposition of contrasting ideas, usually in parallel structure.

Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country. (John F. Kennedy)

Avoiding Sexist Language

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Avoid the generic “he” Avoid the use of “man” when referring to both men and women

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Avoid stereotyping jobs and social roles by gender

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Avoid unnecessary or patronizing gender labels

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Avoid the Generic “He”

Ineffective:

Each time a surgeon walks into the operating room, he risks being sued for malpractice.

More Effective:

Each time a surgeon walks into the operating room, she or he risks being sued for malpractice.

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Avoid the Use of “Man”

Ineffective:

If a large comet struck the earth, it could destroy all of mankind.

More Effective:

If a large comet struck the earth, it could destroy all human life.

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Avoid Stereotyping Jobs and Social Roles

Ineffective:

Being a small businessman in the current economic climate is not easy.

More Effective:

Being a small businessperson in the current economic climate is not easy.

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Avoid Unnecessary or Patronizing Gender Labels

Ineffective:

Sandra Day O’Connor is an outstanding lady judge.

More Effective:

Sandra Day O’Connor is an outstanding judge.

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Language

Transcript Language

ELEVEN

Using Language

Language is important

Denotative Meaning

Connotative Meaning

Guidelines for Using Language

Using Language Accurately

Using Language Clearly

Abstract vs. Concrete Language

Simile

Metaphor

Parallelism

Repetition

Alliteration

Antithesis

Avoiding Sexist Language

Avoid the Generic “He”

Avoid the Use of “Man”

Avoid Stereotyping Jobs and Social Roles

Avoid Unnecessary or Patronizing Gender Labels

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