Chapter Twelve Using Language Effectively. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights...

Chapter Twelve

Using Language Effectively

Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 12 - 2

Chapter Goals

• Understand the power of language

• Apply standards to use language effectively

• Learn ways to magnify the power of language


Power of the Spoken Word

• The words of our language shape the way we think

• Language is the basis of all our social interactions

• Words are the essence of our being, or, language determines how we see ourselves


Characteristics of Oral Language

• Personal

• Informal

• Colorful

• Short, simple sentences or fragments

• Repeats and amplifies ideas

• Relies on examples and stories

• Emphasizes rhythm


Forms of Meaning

• Denotative– dictionary usage– encourages detachment

• Connotative– personal usage– intensifies feelings


Ways oral language can influence

• Influences how listeners see subjects

• Influences how listeners feel about those subjects

• Influences how listeners identify with one another

• Influences how listeners act


Overcoming Emotional Barriers

• Overcoming time

• Overcoming distance

• Overcoming apathy


The Language of Unity• Bring to life images of their heroes and

enemies• Describe group traditions they may have

forgotten• Depict in concrete terms the deeper values

they share• Picture common problems• Illustrate goals they can share• Define in simple terms the first step they can

take together, and urge them to take it• Speak the language of inclusion


Six C’s of Language Use

• Clarity

• Color

• Concreteness

• Correctness

• Conciseness

• Cultural sensitivity



• Clarity– / jargon, doublespeak …



Clarity• Avoid jargon• Avoid pretentious words• Be careful with euphemisms• Be alert to doublespeak• Amplify what you say

– Repetition– Rephrasing– Examples– Compare and contrast



Color• Emotional intensity

• Vivid language

• Paint word pictures

• Language of the people



Concreteness• Avoid abstractions

• Be specific



Correctness• Avoid grammatical errors

• Avoid pronunciation errors

• Avoid misuse and confusion of meaning



Conciseness• Make every word

count

• Use simple language

• Use direct language

• Don’t use two words when one will do



Cultural sensitivity

Figurative Language

• Simile

• Metaphor

• Personification

• Culturetypes

• Ideographs

• God & Devil terms


Culturetypes Maverick McCain


Ideographs Change


God & Devil Terms

• Patriot: one who loves and defends his or her country

• Insurgency: Rising in revolt against established authority, especially a government


Word Order

• Antithesis– “not only, but”

• Inversion– “Ask not …

• Parallel Construction– We will not falter, we will not fail


Sounds of Words

• Alliteration– Nattering nabobs of negativism

• Onomatopoeia– Refugees trudge



The Ethical Use of Powerful Language

• Avoid depictions that distort reality• Use words to support sound reasoning• Use language to empower both traditions and

visions• Use images to renew appreciation of shared

values• Use language to strengthen the ties of

community• Use language to overcome inertia and inspire

listeners to action• Be cautious about melodramatic language

Chapter Twelve Using Language Effectively. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights...

Documents

Transcript of Chapter Twelve Using Language Effectively. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights...