Unit 11: The Importance of Language
Critiquing the language you use in a speech is the oral equivalent of editing your own writing. It can be difficult to recognize when words and phrases you use casually every day may not suit the context or audience of a public presentation. Upon completing the readings and viewing the web media in this unit, you may conclude that it contains too many minor details about this subject. However, that would be an inappropriate conclusion. You may not remember all of those details, your exposure to them will, at the very least, heighten your awareness of the importance of choosing language which suits the occasion, even if, as is often the case, it does not suit you as well. Indeed, attention to language is often what distinguishes the professional communicator from the casual one, and it is why the term "wordsmith" is sometimes used as a compliment to those who do it well.
Completing this unit should take you approximately 4 hours.
Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- discuss the differences between denotative and connotative language;
- contrast the characteristics of oral and written language;
- identify examples of appropriate and vivid language;
- identify examples of inclusive language;
- define the six elements of language.
11.1: Oral vs. Written Language
Read the introduction to chapter 13 and Section 13.1, which cover the traits of speaking versus writing. These traits can be difficult for speakers to adopt, but audiences quickly notice them. You want to be precise and effective, but it can be hard to do both during a speech. Recognize where effectiveness is more important than precision, and vice versa. Attempt the exercises at the end of the section.
Read chapter 10. Language has the power to inform and influence your audience, so using clear and vivid language can affect your credibility.
Watch this video, which demonstrates how to use vivid language in your speech, how to avoid language that ignores or targets certain groups, and how you can consider your audience's traits to choose words that are familiar to them.
11.2: Using Language Effectively
This section reviews the elements of speaking that engage listeners. Contrast these with the communication experiences you've had. Have you sometimes felt that time dragged on and on because you lost interest in a speaker and stopped listening? Or perhaps you were so interested that time seemed to fly by? Try to answer the questions at the end of the section.
11.3: Six Elements of Language
This section focuses on how language can strengthen or weaken a speech. Answer the questions at the end of the section to practice using clear language.
Watch this lecture, which expands on the four elements of word choice: meaning, familiarity, strength, and sound.
11.4: Unit 11 Exercises
After you finish this unit, respond to these questions. If you get any of them incorrect, review that material from the chapter.