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Chapter-10-Using-Language-Effectively.pptx
- 1. Chapter 10: Using LanguageEffectively • Lecturer: Mr. Vath Vary • Email: [email protected] • Tel: 017 471 117 Course: Public Speaking
- 2. Content • Language Basics •Language and Culture • Language and Gender • Spoken versus Written Language • Audience-Centered Language • Guidelines for Using Language in Your Speech
- 3. What is Language? Language refersto the system of words people use when communicating with others. Words have the power to create mental images that inform, persuade, and entertain audiences. Words are symbols representing tangible objects or abstract ideas like freedom and justice.
- 4. The Nature ofLanguage Arbitrary There's no inherent connection between words and their meanings. Different languages use different words to represent the same concepts. For example, "tree" in English is "boom" in Dutch, "dentro" in Greek, and "árbol" in Spanish. Figure 10.2 Ambiguous Words can have multiple meanings and interpretations. Speakers must consider both denotative (literal) and connotative (associated) meanings. Abstract Language represents ideas and concepts, not just tangible objects. Speakers must balance abstract and concrete language (Figure 10.3). Active Language evolves as new concepts and technologies develop. Words like "phishing," "webisode," and "blog" didn't exist before the Internet. Speakers must stay current with language trends.
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- 6. Language and Culture •Language and culture are deeply connected—how we speak reflects cultural values, and culture shapes how we understand language. • In American culture, time is viewed as a commodity, reflected in expressions like “time is money” or “spend time.”
- 7. Language Feature DefinitionExamples Speaker Guidance Slang Informal, conversational expressions often used among peers whatever, all that, word Avoid in formal speeches unless contextually relevant Jargon Technical terms specific to a profession or group MRE, IED, SOP, spam, malware, hotspot Use only if explained clearly to the audience Idioms Phrases with figurative meanings different from literal meanings “Piece of cake” = easy; “Hit the books” = study; “Lend me your ear” = listen Minimize use or explain when necessary Euphemisms /ˈjuː.fə.mɪ.z ə m/ Softer or indirect terms for unpleasant or sensitive concepts adult films, downsizing, rightsizing Use sparingly; ensure clarity when discussing sensitive topics Clichés /ˈkliː.ʃeɪ/ Overused phrases that have lost originality or impact “Think outside the box,” “The big picture,” “Better late than never” Avoid; aim for fresh and clear expression Language Features and Cultural Considerations in Public Speaking
- 8. Word/Phrase Meaning Lit Excitingor fun Salty Bitter or upset Ghosted Suddenly stopped all communication Bail Leave abruptly or cancel plans Shook Shocked or emotionally unsettled Slang Word/Phrase Meaning Bandwidth Capacity to handle tasks (common in tech/business) KPI Key Performance Indicator – a measurable value showing progress BP Blood Pressure (medical field) ROI Return on Investment – profit gained from an investment Pivot A strategic change in direction (common in business/startups) Jargon
- 9. Idiom Euphemism Word/Phrase Meaning Breakthe ice Start a conversation in a social setting Spill the beans Reveal a secret Kick the bucket Die (informal) Under the weather Feeling sick Burn the midnight oil Work late into the night Word/Phrase Meaning Passed away Died Let go Fired from a job Senior citizen Elderly person Economical with the truth Being dishonest or lying Correctional facility Prison or jail
- 10. Word/Phrase Meaning Time healsall wounds Emotional pain fades with time Every cloud has a silver lining There’s something good in every bad situation At the end of the day Ultimately or in conclusion Better late than never It’s better to do something late than not at all What goes around comes around Actions will eventually have consequences Cliché
- 11. • Audience interpretationof language can differ by gender. • For example, men may see tag questions and hedges as uncertainty, while women may see them as inviting input or showing nuance. Interpretation Differences • Powerful language (e.g., “This proposal will succeed”) conveys confidence; • Powerless language (e.g., “I guess,” “sorta,” “don’t you think?”) suggests uncertainty and reduces speaker credibility, especially for women. Powerful vs. Powerless Language • Use gender-neutral terms (e.g., “flight attendant” instead of “stewardess”), • Rotate gender order (e.g., “women and men” vs. “men and women”), and • Avoid implying one gender is the norm or more important. Inclusive Language Language and Gender
- 13. Spoken Language • Dynamicand immediate • Informal and conversational • Irreversible once said • Based on narratives • Relies on rhythm and intonation Written Language • Static and distant • More formal • Revisable and editable • Can present multiple facts easily • Rich in imagery and visual elements Spoken vs.Written Language
- 14. Rhythm and Intonationin Speech Vocal Pitch Speakers use rising and falling pitch to convey questions,statements,and emphasis. Pauses Strategic pauses allow audiences time to contemplate ideas and maintain engagement. Volume Varying volume helps emphasize key points and maintain audience attention. Tone The overall tone of voice adds meaning and emotion to the spoken words.
- 15. Audience-Centered Language Audience-centered language involveschoosing words that resonate with your listeners and suit the situation. Effective speakers tailor their language by putting it in context, personalizing it, being inclusive, using vivid imagery, and sparking imagination to better connect with their audience and convey their message clearly
- 16. Strategy Description Examples PutYour Language in Context • Adapt your speech to the physical location, current events, and speech situation to create immediacy and relevance. • Respond to in-the- moment audience reactions to show connection. • “The original idea for this project began in this very room…” • “This campus—the people, buildings, and traditions—may seem strange to you now…” • “I can tell you agree with me.” • “I see a lot of heads nodding.” Personalize Your Language • Use audience analysis and shared space to create a conversational, inclusive tone. • Refer to specific individuals, acknowledge their feedback, and use personal and inclusive pronouns. • “Based on your responses to my questionnaire…” • “As Sondra mentioned in her speech…” • “Dana, you look skeptical…” • “We’ve raised awareness of three important issues…” • “You can also support political prisoners…” • “I think all college students should take a public speaking class.” Audience-Centered Language
- 17. Audience-Centered Language Strategy PurposeExamples / Techniques Use Inclusive Language Avoid stereotyping or privileging one group over another; ensure all groups feel respected and valued. • Avoid noninclusive phrases: “her Latina friend,” “the disabled actor,” “senior citizen.” • Use inclusive phrasing: “the actor who played the lead role,” “At 75, she’s the oldest crew member.” • Use group labels only when relevant and respectfully. Use Visual Language Enhance understanding and memorability through vivid comparisons and stylistic devices. • Similes: “The story is like an old friend.” • Metaphors: “Life is a rollercoaster. • Parallelism: “I will always smile… I will always look forward…” • Rhyme: “If it doesn’t fit, you must acquit.” • Alliteration: “Fat frogs flying fast.” • Antithesis: “It’s not a way to get rich. It is a way to be rich.” Spark Imagination Engage the audience’s senses and mental imagery to make the speech more compelling and interactive. • Use invitations to imagine: “What would you have done under the circumstances?” • Refer to familiar stories briefly: “Think of the ending of Euripides’s The Trojan Women…” Use Humour Strategically Build rapport, relax the audience, and reinforce key points when appropriate. • Start with self-aware jokes (e.g., “I’m not completely sure what my title means…”). • Keep humour relevant and short. • Avoid offensive or self-disparaging jokes. • Use humour to illustrate or conclude points memorably.
- 18. Visual Language Techniques Similes Comparetwo things using "like" or "as" to create vivid imagery. Metaphors Equate one thing with another to highlight similarities and create powerful associations. Parallelism Use repeated phrases or structures to emphasize ideas and create rhythm. Rhyme Employ words with similar sounds to make ideas more memorable and engaging. Alliteration Repeat initial consonant sounds to create emphasis and memorable phrases. Antithesis Juxtapose contrasting ideas in parallel structures to highlight differences and create impact.
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- 20. Simile Meaning “Busy asa bee.” Very busy, like a hardworking bee. “He runs like the wind.” Runs very fast, like the wind blows. “Cold as ice.” Very cold, literally like ice. Metaphor Meaning “Time is a thief.” Time steals moments from our lives. “The world is a stage.” Life is like a play where everyone acts. “She has a heart of stone.” She is emotionally hard or unfeeling.
- 21. Parallelism Explanation “Easy come,easy go.” Both phrases have the same grammatical structure. “We will fight for justice, fight for freedom, and fight for peace.” Repetition of “fight for” followed by a noun phrase. “Like father, like son.” Balanced structure in two parts. Rhyme Explanation “Twinkle, twinkle, little star, How I wonder what you are.” “Star” and “are” rhyme with each other. “Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall, Humpty Dumpty had a great fall.” “Wall” and “fall” share the same ending sound. “The light of the night is bright.” “Night” and “bright” rhyme perfectly.
- 22. Alliteration Explanation “She sellsseashells by the seashore.” Repetition of “s” sound to create a catchy rhythm. “Busy bees buzzed by the blooming bushes.” Repetition of “b” sound enhances the sentence’s flow. “Whispering winds whirled wildly.” “W” sound repeated for poetic effect. Antithesis Explanation “Give me liberty or give me death.” Contrasts freedom with death to emphasize choice. “Speech is silver, but silence is gold.” Contrasts speech and silence to highlight value of silence. “Many are called, but few are chosen.” Contrasts many vs. few to highlight exclusivity.
- 23. Guideline Key PointsExample / Advice Use Spoken Language Choose conversational, engaging, and direct language instead of reading from a script. Speak naturally: “I researched this topic so we could learn more…” Choose Meaningful Words Avoid jargon, slang, clichés, idioms, and euphemisms unless necessary. Use terms the audience understands and finds respectful. Define technical terms; tailor language to your audience’s level. Balance Clarity and Ambiguity Use clear language for understanding, but allow ambiguity when aiming to unify or inspire. Be specific: “351 signed” instead of “many”; use broad ideas like “best education possible” to inspire unity. Be Concise Eliminate unnecessary words to make your points clearer and stronger. Revise long phrases: “We must regularly update our software” instead of lengthy alternatives. Avoid Offensive or Aggressive Language Use inclusive, respectful language; avoid condescending or hostile tones that damage credibility. Avoid insulting terms or forceful demands. Use language that invites, not alienates. Build in Redundancy Repeat key ideas through previews, summaries, and transitions to aid listener retention. Use phrases like “As I mentioned earlier”, “Now let’s examine”, and “Last, I’ll talk about…”. Don’t Get Too Attached to Words Focus on your purpose more than perfect wording. Be flexible and adapt language based on audience feedback. Practice with different phrasings and listen for tone and flow. Summary: Guidelines for Using Language in Public Speaking
- 24. Summary • Effective languagebrings ideas to life by capturing attention, enhancing understanding, and aiding memory. • Because language is arbitrary, ambiguous, abstract, and active, speakers must choose words carefully. • Successful speakers use clear, inclusive, and culturally sensitive language, avoid jargon, and adapt their words to spoken contexts. • Audience-centred language—contextual, personal, visual, and imaginative—helps engage listeners and communicate meaning powerfully.
- 25. Speech for Reviewand Analysis (page 207)