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Using Language

The document discusses the importance of using language effectively, emphasizing that language reflects one's identity and influences communication. It highlights the need for precision, clarity, and the avoidance of jargon and slang to ensure messages are understood as intended. Additionally, it outlines various linguistic techniques, such as metaphors and alliteration, to enhance communication while cautioning against language pitfalls that convey uncertainty.

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kvn09ariza
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7 views12 pages

Using Language

The document discusses the importance of using language effectively, emphasizing that language reflects one's identity and influences communication. It highlights the need for precision, clarity, and the avoidance of jargon and slang to ensure messages are understood as intended. Additionally, it outlines various linguistic techniques, such as metaphors and alliteration, to enhance communication while cautioning against language pitfalls that convey uncertainty.

Uploaded by

kvn09ariza
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Using Language Well

● The language you use in public and private says something


about you
● Language is an influential and powerful aspects of our daily
lives
Language: a system of symbols we use to form messages
a. allows people with different experiences/understandings
to define the same things different ways
Using Language Well
● Using language well takes work
● Few people have this talent naturally
● Perfect your language choices through practice
● Good speakers use simple language
● Never use a long word when a short one will do
● Audiences can sense a fake
Constructing Clear Messages
● Most words mean different things to different people

● Be precise; it is less likely people will misinterpret your


message

● Concrete language: refers to objects or events that are


available to the senses

● Abstract language: refers to ideas or concepts; they have


no physical referents
Constructing Clear Messages
● Think about the connotations associated
with one word or the other
Denotative Meaning: the meaning that can be
found in a dictionary
Connotative Meaning: the meaning attached
to a word over time
Constructing Clear Messages
Jargon: specialized language of a group or profession

Slang: language that some people might understand but is not


considered acceptable in formal conversation
a. based on a specific audience, defined by age,
Region
b.using it communicates negative ideas about you to the
audience
Constructing Clear Messages
Metaphor: a comparison made by speaking of one thing in
terms of another.
Example: John had the heart of a lion.

Similes: a comparison by using the word “like” or “as."


Metaphors do not.
Example: On my first day at work, I was as cool as a
cucumber
Constructing Clear Messages
Alliteration: the repetition of the initial sounds of words
a. useful for helping people remember your message

Antithesis: a contrast or opposition between two things


a. used for contrasting or competing statements in order
to make a persuasive point
Importance of Accurate Language
Hyperbole: a moderate acceptable exaggeration for effect
Example: As big as an ox
a. be careful of unrealistic exaggeration
● Avoid saying “always” or “never”
a. it allows people to contradict your statement
● Avoid mispronouncing words
a. find out the pronunciation of and practice all words
that you don't know
Avoiding Language Pitfalls
Powerless Language: communicates uncertainty
Example: “It seems to me that things are getting worse,”
Avoid Hedges:
Example: “I thought we should,” “Maybe we should”
Avoid Tag Questions:
Example: “You know?”, “Don’t you agree?”
Avoid Qualifiers: such as “around” or “about” make your
sentences less definitive

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