What does it mean to say you should use language appropriately in your speeches?

What does it mean to say you should use language appropriately in your speeches?

Welcome to the Purdue OWL

This page is brought to you by the OWL at Purdue University. When printing this page, you must include the entire legal notice.

Copyright ©1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use.


Summary:

This handout will cover some of the major issues with appropriate language use: levels of language formality, deceitful language and euphemisms, slang and idiomatic expressions; using group-specific jargon; and biased/stereotypical language.

When writing, it is very important to use language that fits your audience and matches purpose. Inappropriate language uses can damage your credibility, undermine your argument, or alienate your audience. This handout will cover some of the major issues with appropriate language use: levels of language formality, deceitful language and euphemisms, slang and idiomatic expressions; using group-specific jargon; and biased/stereotypical language.

The following is a short overview of the different aspects of using appropriate language. Review the other sections of this handout for a more complete discussion.

  1. Levels of formality: Writing in a style that your audience expects and that fits your purpose is key to successful writing.
  2. In-Group jargon: Jargon refers to specialized language used by groups of like-minded individuals. Only use in-group jargon when you are writing for members of that group. You should never use jargon for a general audience without first explaining it.
  3. Slang and idiomatic expressions: Avoid using slang or idiomatic expressions in general academic writing.
  4. Deceitful language and euphemisms: Avoid using euphemisms (words that veil the truth, such as "collateral damage" for the unintended destruction of civilians and their property) and other deceitful language.
  5. Biased language: Avoid using biased language including language with a racial, ethnic, group, or gender bias or language that is stereotypical.

Front Back

1. How does language help create our sense of reality?

language does not mirror reality. It helps us create sense of reality by giving meaning to events. The words we use to label and event determine how we respond to it

1. What is the difference between denotative and connotative meaning? How might you use each to convey your message most effectively?

Denotative is the literal or dictionary meaning of a word or phrase
-precise, literal and objective
-ex. A school is a place, institution or building where instruction is given
Connotative is the meaning suggested by the associations or emotions triggered by a word or phrase
-variable, figurative and subjective. The meaning suggests or implies
-ex. A school connotes personal growth, childhood friends, special teachers, frustration, discipline, boring homework assignments, etc.

1. What are the four criteria for using language effectively in your speeches?

1. use language accurately
2. use language clearly
3. use language vividly
4. use language appropriately

1. What are the three things you should do to use language clearly in your speeches?

1. Use familiar words
2. Choose concrete words
3. Eliminate clutter

1. What are two ways to bring your speeches to life with vivid, animated language?

1. Use imagery
a. Similes
b. Metaphors
c. Avoid clichés
2. Use rhythm
a. Use parallelism (arrangement of a pair or series of related words phrases or sentences)
b. Repetition
c. Alliteration
d. Antithesis

1. What does it mean to say you should use language appropriately in your speeches?

-language should be appropriate to the occasion, to the audience, to the topic and to the speaker

1. Why is it important for a public speaker to use inclusive language? What four usages of include language have become so widely accepted that no speaker can afford to ignore them?

-inclusive language does not stereotype, demean, patronize, etc.
-it is important to use because the US is so diverse and must be respectful to all
1. Avoid generic “he”
2. Avoid the use of “man” when referring to both men and women
3. Avoid stereotyping jobs and social roles by gender
4. Use names that group use to identify themselves

1. What are the three purposes of a speech of introduction? What guidelines should you follow in preparing such a speech?

a. To build enthusiasm for the upcoming speaker
b. To build enthusiasm for the speakers’ topic
c. To establish a welcoming climate that will boost the speakers’ credibility

- Must: be brief, make sure your remarks are completely accurate, adapt your remarks to the occasion, adapt your remarks to the main speaker, adapt your remarks to the audience, create a sense of anticipation and drama

1. What is the main theme of a speech of presentation? Depending on the audience and occasion, what two other themes might you include in such a speech?

-it is used to tell the audience why the recipient is receiving the award
-depending on audience and occasion:
a. if audience is not familiar with award, explain is briefly
b. if the award was won in a public competition and the audience knows who the losers are, take a moment to praise the losers.

1. What are the three major traits of a good acceptance speech?

a. Brevity
b. Humility
c. Graciousness

1. What is the fundamental purpose of a commemorative speech? Why does a successful commemorative speech depend so much on the creative and subtle use of language?

-Purpose-not to inform listeners but to inspire them, around and heighten their appreciation for the person, institution or idea you are praising
-depends on creative and subtle language because the success of the speech depends on the language and thoughts being appropriately aligned with the occasion
-a commemorative speech is like an impressionist painting, as it should capture a mood or moment through the use of language.

Why is it important to use appropriate language in your speech?

Inappropriate language uses can damage your credibility, undermine your argument, or alienate your audience.

What does it mean to use language effectively?

There are six main characteristics of effective language. Effective language is: (1) concrete and specific, not vague and abstract; (2) concise, not verbose; (3) familiar, not obscure; (4) precise and clear, not inaccurate or ambiguous; (5) constructive, not destructive; and (6) appropriately formal.

What makes a speech appropriate?

A speech should be clear and unambiguous so that the audience can understand it easily. If it is not clear enough to express its meaning to the audience, it will become ineffective. The message of the speech should be definite and relevant to the subject matter. The audience becomes impatient with a long speech.

What is the key factor in choosing the language to use in your speech?

Clarity. The first important element of language is clarityThe use of language to make sure a speaker's ideas are understood by an audience, mirroring a speaker's intent., or the use of language to make sure the audience understands a speaker's ideas in the way the speaker intended.