Language and Style Choices in Your Speech

Chapter 11

LanguageSymbolic in nature.Words have no meaning in and of

themselves. ( lunch )Denotation – the dictionary definition of a

word.Connotation - the meaning that the word

implies. ( adroit )New meanings for old words. ( gay )New words for new subjects. ( internet )

LanguagePrivate Codes- slang or jargon used by a

subculture.Political Correctness- using language that

shows a concern for fairness and respect.

Strategies for Effective Language and StyleUse simple informal language and short

sentences.Use repetition.Use precise wording. If you are unclear on a

word’s meaning, look it up.Don’t use words whose connotations you

do not understand or your audience might not understand. ( philatelist )

Use familiar concrete words.Avoid Vocalized Pauses.

Strategies for Effective Language and StyleUse inclusive “we” language.Avoid bias and inappropriate language.Use vivid language.

Figures of Speech Def.- language strategies that make striking

comparisons between things or ideas that are not obviously alike.Alliteration- he repetition of sounds at the

beginnings of words that are near one another.

Onomatopoeia- the use of words that sound like the things they stand for. ( pop )

Personification- attributes human qualities to a concept or an inanimate object.

Repetition- restating words, phrases, or sentences for emphasis.

Figures of Speech Antithesis- combining contrasting ideas in

the same sentence.Simile- comparison between two unlike

things using the words like or as.Metaphor- implied comparison between two

unlike things without using the words like or as.