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SPCH 1301-11-1
Using Language
Chapter 11
Language is Important
The power of the spoken word—language is not neutral. We use it to label events or
people and to create images in the minds of others. What image comes to your mind
with the phrases “pro-life,” “anti-choice,” “pro-choice,” etc. We need to put thought and
reflection into our word choice. What we say along with how we say it, will impact
feelings and interpretations of our message.
The spoken word (versus the written word) requires “more words per square idea to say
something than to write it.” That is Tarver’s Law of Conciseness. We can reread a book but we
cannot re-listen to a speech. Consequently, we need to make our point in a more repetitive or
thorough manner when speaking than when writing.
But always, regardless of written or oral, we need to put thought into what we want to say
before the words flow from our mouths or from our word-processors.
Meaning of Words
 Denotative—literal or dictionary definitions.
 Connotative—subjective; more personal feelings of how we use or define words. We “live”
in a connotative world; not one defined by dictionaries.
How you define or think of the word “cat” is likely different from the dictionary. And “boat”…..
“dog” and on and on…bottom line is: we assign our connotative meaning to what we hear;
especially if speakers are vague or overly general in their use of language.
Using Language Accurately
Good speakers use words correctly. Comedians sometimes intentionally use the wrong word to
generate humor but very risky for public speakers to do so. A term all malapropism is used
when people use words that have similar sounds to the correct word. For example, saying “he
is the very pineapple of politeness” instead of “pinnacle of politeness.” Or “don’t let your
imagination run rancid” instead of “rampant.”
Using Language Clearly
 Use familiar words as opposed to bigger, more unfamiliar ones. Say “lie” not “prevaricate”
and “chew” not “masticate.” This does not suggest you should speak like a child…just use
words that are clear without sounding stuffy or ostentatious.
 Use concrete words in most instances as opposed to vague or general language. General
rule of thumb: for positive or neutral messages be very concrete with language. For bad
news, be more general or vague.
 Eliminate clutter in language by eliminating needless words and redundancies. For example:
we don’t need to say “each and every” or “free gift” or “surrounded on all sides” or “past
history” and so forth. Any excessively wordy phrase only serves to bog down the idea and
frustrate the audience.
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
Using language vividly means to be accurate and clear while being interesting. Our goal
is use vivid, animated language. Some common ways of doing this are through us of
imagery with smiles and metaphors.
Similes—like or as comparison between two items that are essentially different but with
something in common. Be careful about over-using certain expressions that have become
clichés. Clichés make any audience feel a bit less important.
Metaphors—comparisons without the like or as words. Our culture loves to use sports and
war metaphors in everyday life. But don’t mix images (mixed metaphors) or your audience
may be confused.
Rhythm with our language will create a style of speaking that is easy to follow (and
remember) due to the arrangement of our words
(a)
Parallelism—already discussed in early chapters.
(b)
Repetition—repeating same word or set of words at the beginning or end of a
sentence.
(c)
Alliteration—repetition of initial consonant sound…often done as kids when
playing. Do not overuse this technique!!
(d)
Antithesis—reversing the normal order of words; best left to experienced
speakers.
(e)
Hyperbole—the purposeful exaggeration to emphasize a point; overstating not to
mislead. For example: I’m so hungry I could eat a horse.
(f)
Personification—bringing inanimate objects to life by giving them a gender; or
other qualities that people possess. For example: naming your car or boat.
(g)
Euphemisms—words used to numb our feelings by hiding rather than revealing
reality. Often used when delivering bad news like deaths or job firings.
 Using language appropriately for the occasion, the audience, the topic and speaker.
There is a time and place for slang or causal language; but not in formal speaking occasions.
Proper language but without be overly stuffy. Proper use of grammar and pronunciation is
necessary. Know your audience and don’t use language that may offend them. Profanity and
off-color comments are never wise to put into speeches. Certain topics need more vivid
language (critiquing a musical performance perhaps) while others just need to be straightforward (giving directions or writing user’s manuals). And use language that you are
comfortable with. Everyone has their own style; the more we write or speak, the more it
develops and grows. But be yourself above all else.
A Note on Inclusive Language—
When we don’t know our audience, it is wise to avoid sexist references like man and he.
Suggestions:
 Turn “he” in to “they” by making things plural or less effective is saying “he or she”—kind
of awkward.
 Look for ways to avoid “man” like in policeman or mailman. Better to say “police officer” or
“mail carrier.”
 Watch out for gender, racial, ethic, professional, etc. labels unless essential for
understanding. For example, “Dr. Jones, a female surgeon, operated on my mother.”
“Tom, an Irish immigrant, works in the accounting office.”
Bottom line: unless it is vital for us to know those labels, leave them off. They draw
attention away from the main point and onto a less important detail.
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