Using Effective Language to

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Using Effective Language to
Communicate
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Being an effective communicator is like walking a
tightrope.
To be successful, you must work very hard at
being exact and precise.
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CONGRETE ABSTRACT
WORDS
Concrete words name things that we can perceive
through sight, hearing, touch, taste, or smell.
Abstract words dont deal with the senses but are
names for qualities, attributes, and concepts.
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Which of the following is an example of an
abstract word?
a. b. c. d.
baseball
radio
recreation
peanuts
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Oops, you fell off the tightrope!
Keep in mind that abstract words are not tangible
items.
Tangible items are those which we are aware of
through the senses.
Pick yourself up and try again!
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Nice balance!
Recreation is an abstract word.
We cannot taste, touch, see, smell, or hear
recreation.
Abstract words are open to interpretation.
We all give different meanings to the word
recreation.
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Identify the two major abstract words in the
sentence below.
Do you like my new hair-do?
Its absolutely stunning on you!
Mary and Sallys friendship is based on honesty.
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Uh-oh, be careful!
You're about to loose your balance.
This is a concrete word because we can identify
this object through our five senses.
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That's right!
Awesome Job!
Now find the next abstract word.
Mary and Sallys friendship is based on honesty.
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You're Doing Great!
Friendship and honesty are both abstract
words. We cant use our senses to touch, see,
smell, hear, or taste friendship or honesty. We
can use our senses to touch, see, smell, and hear
Mary and Sally. That is why they are considered
concrete words.
Lets keep movin! Click on the arrow to learn
more!
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The Balancing Act
flag
patriotism
The most effective language is created when the
speaker uses concrete and abstract words together.
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Looking for a real crowd pleaser? In order to
obtain a more pleasing reaction from those you
communicate with, try incorporating imagery into
your language!
Education is the key that unlocks many of lifes
opportunities.
Which of the following statements has more
impact? Click on the bubble.
Education is important.
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While education is important, this sentence does
not have as much impact on the listener.
SORRY
The other sentence holds more impact because it
uses comparison imagery. Go back and click on the
correct impacting sentence to learn more about
how imagery can color your language!
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Different Types of Imagery used in Communication
Study the chart! Click on the terms to see
examples for each. Questions will follow!
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Examples of metaphor simile

• Metaphor
• A high school diploma is the key that will give
  you the potential to unlock many occupational
  doors later in life.

• Simile
• Love is as sweet as chocolate.
• Reading a book is like taking an adventure around
  the world.

Return to chart
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Examples of Oxymoron

• Because I always fall gracefully, friends say I
  have athletic clumsiness.
• My parents want me to have such boring fun.
• Please make a mandatory donation.

Return to chart
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Examples of hyperbole understatement

• HYPERBOLE
• I have worked my fingers to the bone cleaning
  this house!
• Mom, I dont have a single thread of clothing to
  wear to school today!

• UNDERSTATEMENT
• Families out of work and without a paycheck can
  experience some economic discomfort.

Return to chart
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Can you tell the difference between a simile and
a metaphor?
Identify the simile from the list below.
Spending more than you earn is the road to ruin.
a.
Every day, our government spends money as fast as
McDonalds sells hamburgers.
b.
c.
That driver is a road hog.
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Good try!
Luckily you fell on the trampoline! No permanent
injuries were sustained. Try again!
Both metaphors and similes compare two unrelated
items, however the simile use one of two key
words that helps you identify it. Go back and
review if needed!
Review Chart
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Fantasitic!
Youre soaring to new heights!
This sentence uses a simile to compare the
government spending to McDonalds sales by
linking the 2 unrelated things with the word AS!
Every day, our government spends money as fast as
McDonalds sells hamburgers.
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She is the momentary love-of-my-life.
What type of language device is being used?
a.
oxymoron
b.
simile
c.
hyperbole
d.
metaphor
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Superb!
The oxymoron forms a contrast image that often
jolts listeners and demands that they think and
pay attention.
Interesting!
Lets try another!
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Not Quite!
Go back and look at the last chunk of the
sentence. TIPDo you see the contrasting
phrases? Review the chart of terms for more help.
Review chart
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Hyperbole or understatement?
Ive done this a million times before! I dont
know why its so difficult this time.
Understatement
Hyperbole
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Well done!
Doing something a million times is generally an
exaggerated amount!
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You're slipping!
An understatement is the opposite of hyperbole
because it makes LESS of something.
Return to examples
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Now youre ready to begin using imagery to spice
up your communication! Remember to keep your
balance. Dont use too many of the same images at
once!
THE END