Public Speaking

(Marvins-Underground-K-12) #1

Chapter


12


This ChapTer Will
help You

•    Explain how words are
linked to culture and
meaning

•    Understand the denota-
tive meaning of words
including jargon

•    Define connotative
meanings of words
including epithets and
euphemisms

•    Distinguish between
the oral and written
style in language

•    Choose language that
is concise, familiar,
concrete, repetitive,
vivid, powerful, and
appropriate

•    Use ethical language
that is inclusive and
positive about groups
and individuals

•    Give guidelines for
listening and speaking
in linguistically diverse
contexts

LANGUAGE CONVEYS MORE than just ideas. The words you use also provide
clues about your region of origin, age, educational level, income level, sex,
ethnicity, and occupation—even if you’re all speaking “American.” For example:

•   Regional diversity: A “dust bunny” can be a “dust kitty” (in the Northeast),
a “woolie” (in areas of Pennsylvania), or “house moss” (in the South).
The Dictionary of American Regional English identified 174 terms for those
little wads of dust under your furniture.^1
• Occupational diversity: Lawyers write, “This agreement to arbitrate is not a
prerequisite to healthcare or treatment.”^1 However, a caseworker would more
likely say, “You don’t have to sign this to get treatment.”^2

Review the
chapter
Learning
Objectives
and Start
with a quick
warm-up
activity.


Choosing effective language


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