Discovering the Power of Oral Language:

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Discovering the Power of Oral Language

• Troublesome Language

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Understanding Denotations and Connotations

• A denotation is the words objective description
  or meaning. A words denotation is found in the
  dictionary.
• A connotation is the emotions or feelings that
  are associated with the word. A words
  connotation is not usually found in the
  dictionary.
• Examples house vs. home, dog vs.
  mutt

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Types of Troublesome Language (to avoid!)

• Sexist
• Racist
• Profane/Obscene
• Judgmental
• Accusatory
• Assumptive
• Absolute

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Sexist Language

• Description Sexist language implies that
  something is more suited to a specific gender.
  It groups men or women into a category and
  perpetuates gender-based stereotypes.
• Instead Use descriptive language that replaces
  gender-related terms with general terms.
  Example Humankind instead of mankind.

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Racist Language

• Description Racist language applies labels or
  behavioral characteristics to an entire race of
  individuals. It is the language of prejudice and
  stereotypes, and it is extremely offensive.
• Remember Racist language is never appropriate.
  Use personal names and descriptions that do not
  refer to ethnic identity.
• Unfortunately, Im sure I dont have to give
  examples of racist language.
• Most examples are really obvious. Some arent
  example of old ASU mascot

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Profane/Obscene Language

• Description Vulgar, irreverent, or abusive
  language that is offensive in social
  professional contexts. This can greatly damage a
  speakers credibility.
• Remember The book says that this type of
  language is never appropriate. If made into a
  habit, it is extremely un-creative. (Come up
  with better descriptors!)
• People understand the true power of language if
  they only use this kind of language 1-2 times
  during their whole lives.
• Try alternatives like ow, excrement, or
  asinine

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Judgmental Language

• Description Judgmental language implies an
  inappropriate evaluation or critique of someone
  or something. Qualitative words such as good,
  bad, worthwhile, and worthless may imply that you
  are sitting in judgment of someone or their
  behavior. Why questions are sometimes seen as
  defensive and can convey judgment on the
  speakers part.

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Judgmental Language, continued.

• Instead Try to assume ownership of your remarks
  and use descriptive, supportive words that give
  information in an objective way. For example,
  instead of That was a really good speech, you
  could say That speech really caught my
  attention. The second statement focuses on
  specific criteria.
• Also, ask questions that begin with how, what,
  when, where, and who instead of why.

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Accusatory Language

• Description Using you messages improperly can
  make a speaker sound bossy or judgmental. The
  listener may feel as if he or she is being
  accused or attacked.
• Instead, try to use I messages as much as
  possible.

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Assumptive Language

• Description Assumptive language implies that
  everyone shares your views, opinions, or
  concerns. Overusing words such as we and
  everyone can trigger a defensive response in
  your listeners.
• Instead Remember that your audiences views may
  differ from yours, and use qualifiers such as may
  be, can be, or appears to be when addressing
  opinionated information.

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Absolute Language

• Description Absolutes assume that there are no
  exceptions. Absolute language is risky for 2
  reasons few things stay the same forever, and
  there are exceptions to every rule.
• Instead Avoid words such as every, always,
  never, or will. Instead, used less-rigid terms
  such as most, usually, seldom, or may.

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Tips for avoiding troublesome language

• Develop your vocabulary to where you better
  understand possible negative connotations in your
  speech.
• Try to imagine how your words might be coming
  across to others.
• Watch your listeners for nonverbal cues, such as
  shaking the head, raising the eyebrows, etc.

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One last thing Avoiding Powerless Language

• Tends to be vague, doesnt accomplish much can
  erode a speakers power by making him/her seem
  indecisive or lacking in confidence.

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Examples of Powerless Language

• Fillers a word or phrase used to cover up
  hesitancy in speech. Examples uh, like,
  um, you know
• Tags a statement or question added to the end
  of a statement to invite approval from others.
  Example Its time to go, dont you think?
  (Studies show that females use this more often,
  perpetuating gender-based stereotypes about
  female inferiority.)
• Vague wording. Example They need you to sign
  it. vs. Our office managers need you to sign
  this purchase order.