Choosing the Right Word Module Fifteen Copyright © 2014 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. McGraw-Hill/Irwin

Choosing the Right Words  Accurate Words  Mean what you say.  Appropriate Words  Convey the attitudes you want. 15-2

Does using the right word really matter?  Denotation  A word’s literal or dictionary meaning.  Pound denotes weight, an animal shelter, a unit of money, or to hit. 15-3

Does using the right word really matter?  Bypassing  When two people use the same word to mean different things. 15-4

Does using the right word really matter?  Connotation  The emotional colorings or associations that accompany a word.  Preowned has a more positive connotation than used. 15-5

Does using the right word really matter?  Use familiar words that are in almost everyone’s vocabulary.  Short, common words sound friendlier. 15-6

Does using the right word really matter? Four exceptions 1.Use a long word if it is the only word that expresses your meaning exactly 2.Use a long word or phrase if it is more familiar than a short word 3.Use a long word if its connotations are more appropriate 4.Use a long word if the discourse community prefers it. 15-7

Thinking Critically  In its most basic sense, critical thinking means using precise words and asking questions about what you read and hear.  In its most advanced sense, critical thinking means asking about and challenging fundamental assumptions. 15-8

Is it OK to use jargon?  The first kind of jargon is the specialized terminology of a technical field  The second kind of jargon is business jargon  sometimes called businessese  as per your request, enclosed please find, please do not hesitate. 15-9

Getting Rid of Business Jargon 15-10