2. Meanings of words
Words have two types of meanings: denotative and
connotative
• Denotative meaning : precise, literal and objective
• Connotative meaning: more variable, figurative and
subjective
• What do you think of when you hear the word "school?" Is your
reaction positive? Negative? Nostalgic? Hopeful? This is an
example of a word's connotation
• Connotative meaning gives words their emotional power and
intensity
3. Using language
accurately
• Criminal persecution or
criminal prosecution? (pg
225)
• Errors in use of language
can make the speaker
appear poorly qualified,
ignorant or unprepared.
• A thesaurus can be a
valuable tool for finding just
the right word, with the right
connotation.
4. Using language
clearly
• You cannot assume what's clear to you is clear to the
audience
• A speaker's meaning must be immediately
comprehensible
• Use familiar words: unless you have an audience that
specializes in your topic, you will make a clearer
communication effort using ordinary language
• Ordinary language does NOT mean you cannot be
descriptive and vivid
5. Using language
clearly
• Choose concrete words:
words that refer to tangible
things (like carrot, pencil,
nose, versus words like
philosophy, science, humility
- these are abstract words)
• Eliminate clutter: clutter
happens when you use more
words than necessary to
express an idea
6. Using language vividly
• Just as you can be
accurate, without being
clear -- you can be both
accurate and clear
without being interesting
• If you want to move
people with your
speeches, use vivid,
animated language
7. Using language vividly
Imagery: creating word "pictures" that allow the
listener to "see" what you're describing
• Concrete words: enhance clarity, as well as
being the key to effective imagery. They call up
mental impressions of sights, sounds, touch, smell
and taste.
• Simile: an explicit comparison between things
that are essentially different, yet, have something
in common. It always has the words "like" or "as."
8. Using language vividly
• Cliches: overused phrases. Fresh as a
daisy.
• Metaphor: an implicit comparison between
two things that are essentially different yet
have something in common. Does not contain
like or as.
9. Using language vividly
Rhythm: the pattern of sound in a speech
created by the choice and arrangement of
words.
• A speech, however, is not a poem. You
should never emphasize rhythm at the
expense of meaning.
10. Using language vividly
• Parallelism: the similar arrangement of a pair or
series of related words, phrases or sentences.
• Repetition: reiterating the same word or set of words
at the beginning or end of successive clauses or
sentences.
• Alliteration: repetition of the initial consonant sound
of close or adjoining words.
• Antithesis: the juxtaposition of contrasting ideas,
usually in parallel structure.
11. Using language
appropriately
In addition to being accurate, clear and vivid,
language should be appropriate -- to the
occasion, to the audience, to the topic and to the
speaker.
• Appropriateness for the occasion : a coach
may address a team as "you guys." would this be
appropriate at a formal speaking engagement?
• Appropriateness to the audience : avoid off-
color language, speak at the appropriate level for
the audience. Err on the side of caution.
12. Using language
appropriately
• Appropriateness to the topic : certain
topics require a more straightforward delivery,
whereas other tropics lend themselves well to
utilization of imagery, metaphor, simile, etc.
• Appropriateness to the speaker : in the
beginning, you are developing a style as a
public speaker. Practice techniques, but do
not try to "become" someone else when you
speak.
13. Notes on inclusive
language
• Meaning, the use of language which is respectful of the
different diverse groups that make up American society
1. Avoid the generic "he"
2. Avoid the use of "man" when referring to both men and
women.
3. Avoid stereotyping jobs and social roles by gender
4. Use names that groups use to identify themselves.
