Chapter 4 16 Using Language Style involves both

Chapter 4. 16: Using Language Style involves both specific word choices and rhetorical devices (techniques of language) that speakers use to express their ideas and achieve their speech purpose.

Prepare Your Speeches for the Ear § Strive for Simplicity of expression § § translate jargon, the specialized language of a given profession —into commonly understood terms. Be concise § use contractions, shortened forms of the verb to be and other auxiliary verbs in conjunction with pronouns (I, he, she, you, ) and proper nouns. § Consider phrases and sentence fragments § Make frequent use of repetition and transitions § Use personal pronouns (we, us, I and you)

Choose Language that Encourages Shared Meaning • Use culturally sensitive and unbiased language. – Biased language- relies on unfounded assumptions, negative descriptions, or stereotypes of a given group’s age, class, gender, disability, geographic, ethnic, racial, or religious characteristics – Colloquial expressions-regional variations in expressions – sexiest pronouns- unnecessarily restrict the gender of the person or persons in question – persons with disabilities (PWD). • Choose concrete words – Concrete language- specific, tangible, and definite – Abstract language- general or nonspecific

Offer Vivid Imagery • Select Words that are colorful and concrete • Appeal to the senses • Use Figures of speech – Expressions in which words are used in a non-literal fashion to achieve a rhetorical effect – Simile, metaphor, analogy, personification, understatement, irony, allusion, hyperbole, onomatopoeia

Choose Language that Builds Credibility • Use appropriate language – • Code switching- deliberate use of dialect Use words accurately – malapropism: the inadvertent use of a word or phrase in place of one that sounds like it – denotative meaning: literal, or dictionary definition – connotative meaning: special association that different people bring to bear on it. • Choose words that convey confidence and conviction. – use the active voice- subject performs the action – Use “I” language – Avoid Powerless Speech: • hedges- unnecessary words and phrases that qualify or introduce doubt into statements that should be straightforward (I guess my question is, In my opinion, I may not be right, but) • tag questions- unnecessary questions that are appended to statements or commands (I will next address the issue of economics, okay? )

Choose Language that Creates a Lasting Impression • Use repetition to create rhythm – repetition is one of the most effective strategies for creating a lasting impression. • Anaphora is a form of repetition in which the speaker repeats a word or phrase at the beginning of successive phrases, clauses, or sentences. • Use alliteration for a poetic quality – alliteration is the repetition of the same sounds, usually initial consonants, in two or more neighboring words or syllables; hackneyed refers to alliteration that is poorly crafted.

Parallelism • Use parallelism to drive your points home – parallelism is the arrangement of words, phrases, or sentences in a similar form. – Parallelism in speeches often makes use of antithesis— setting off two ideas in balanced (parallel) opposition to each other to create a powerful effect • A triad is the use of three parallel statements • See page 137 for examples

Chapter 5. 17: Methods of Delivery

Qualities of Effective Delivery • Effective Delivery is the skillful application of natural conversational behavior in a way that is relaxed, enthusiastic, and direct. – Strive for Naturalness – Show enthusiasm – Project a sense of confidence – Be direct

Methods of Delivery • Manuscript- speech is read from fully prepared text • Memorized- speech is delivered entirely from memory (oratory) • Impromptu- speech is delivered without preparation or practice • Extemporaneous- speech is well-practiced and delivered from a key-word phrase outline.