Chapter Sixteen

Using Language to

Style the Speech

Chapter Sixteen

Table of ContentsWriting for the EarChoose Language that Encourages

Shared MeaningChoose Language that Builds

CredibilityChoose Language that Creates a

Lasting Impression*

Using Language to Style the Speech

A speech should be an equal mixture of substance and style. The substance comprises the ideas

as embodied in the topic and purpose, and the supporting materials used to illustrate them.

Style refers to the choice of words and sentences that comprise the language of your speech.*

Writing for the Ear

Written language and oral language are different.

Readers have the opportunity to re-read text; listeners have only one chance to get the message.*

Writing for the Ear

Speeches must use clearer syntax and transitions than written language.

Speeches are more interactive than written language.*

Choose Language that Encourages Shared Meaning

Speech language should be culturally sensitive, unbiased, simple, concise, concrete, and vivid.*

Choose Language that Encourages Shared Meaning

Use Culturally Sensitive and Unbiased Language

Strive for SimplicityAim for ConcisenessChoose Concrete WordsUse Vivid Imagery*

Choose Language that Encourages Shared Meaning:

Use Culturally Sensitive and Unbiased Language

Cultural Sensitivity A conscious

attempt to be considerate of cultural beliefs, norms, or traditions that are different from one’s own*

Choose Language that Encourages Shared Meaning:

Use Culturally Sensitive and Unbiased Language

Biased Language Language that relies on unfounded

assumptions, negative descriptions, or stereotypes of a given group’s age, class, gender; or geographical ethnic, racial, or religious characteristics

Sexist Pronouns Unnecessarily restrict or stereotype the

gender of the person or persons in question*

Choose Language that Encourages Shared Meaning:

Strive for Simplicity

To encourage shared meaning, say what you mean in short, clear sentences.

Jargon is the specialized language of a given profession. Avoid using jargon unless the

audience consists of specialized professionals.*

Choose Language that Encourages Shared Meaning:

Aim for Conciseness

Use fewer words, rather than more, to express your thoughts to aid listener comprehension.*

Choose Language that Encourages Shared Meaning:

Choose Concrete Words

Concrete Language Words that are specific, tangible, and

definite

Abstract Language Phrasing that is general and nonspecific*

Choose Language that Encourages Shared Meaning:

Use Vivid Imagery

Select adverbs and adjectives to color descriptions or make them more concrete.

Appeal to the listeners’ senses of smell, taste, sight, hearing, and touch.*

Choose Language that Encourages Shared Meaning:

Use Vivid Imagery

Use Figures of Speech A simile is an explicit comparison of one

thing to another, using “like” or “as.” A metaphor is a direct comparison of

two things in which one thing is described as actually being the other.

An analogy is an extended metaphor or simile that compares an unfamiliar concept or process to a more familiar one to help the listener understand the unfamiliar one.*

Choose Language that Builds Credibility

Proper language usage builds trust and credibility.

By being appropriate, accurate, and showing conviction for your topic, you demonstrate trustworthiness.*

Choose Language that Builds Credibility

Use Appropriate LanguageUse Language AccuratelyChoose Words that Convey

Confidence and Conviction*

Choose Language that Builds Credibility:

Use Appropriate Language

The language you use should be appropriate to the occasion, audience, and subject matter.

Generally, uphold the rules of standard English.

Casual language, dialects, and slang may be appropriate in homogeneous audiences.*

Choose Language that Builds Credibility:

Use Language Accurately

To build trust and credibility, language must be accurate.

Avoid inflammatory language that may incite anger in the audience.

Avoid slanderous or libelous language.False or malicious statements that

defame the reputation of others*

Choose Language that Builds Credibility:

Use Language Accurately

Denotative meanings The literal, or dictionary, definition of

a wordConnotative meanings

The special associations that different people bring to bear upon a word*

Choose Language that Builds Credibility:

Choose Words that Convey Confidence and Conviction

Speaking in the active rather than the passive voice will make your statements clear and assertive instead of indirect and weak. Voice is the feature of verbs that indicates

the subject’s relationship to the action.Personal pronouns such as “I”, “me”, and

“my” create an impression of conviction.*

Choose Language That Creates a Lasting Impression

Oral language that is artfully arranged and infused with rhythm leaves a lasting impression on listeners.*

Choose Language That Creates a Lasting Impression

RepetitionAlliteration*

Choose Language That Creates a Lasting Impression:

Repetition

Repetition involves repeating key words or phrases at various intervals to create a distinctive rhythm.

You can use repetition to create a thematic focus for your speech by repeating key phrases that emphasize a central or recurring idea of your speech.*

Choose Language That Creates a Lasting Impression:

Alliteration

Alliteration is the repetition of the same sounds, usually initial consonants, in two or more neighboring words or syllables. Alliteration lends speech a poetic,

musical rhythm which drives home a point and leaves a lasting impression.*

Parallelism

Parallelism is the arrangement of words, phrases, or sentences in a similar form.

Numbering your points (“First…,” “Second…”) or arranging your material chronologically are kinds of parallelism.