Chapter 4 Verbal Communication Embracing Difference Fourth Edition Dunn and Goodnight Chapter 4 Verbal Communication This multimedia product and its contents are protected under copyright law. The following are prohibited by law: any public performance or display, including transmission of any image over a network; preparation of any derivative work, including the extraction, in whole or in part, of any images; any rental, lease, or lending of the program. PowerPoint edited by Kristin Harkin Jurczak, Purdue University Calumet Copyright © 2014, 2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Nature of Language and Meaning Language is symbolic Words are symbols that represent our thoughts, feelings, and ideas in a specific context or relationship. Language represents both concrete things (book pencil, apple) and abstract (love, democracy, freedom). Copyright © 2014, 2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Nature of Language and Meaning Language is an arbitrary system of symbols. The meaning can change depending on the speaker, audience, and context. New words created everyday, such as: Fist bump, bromance, tweet Copyright © 2014, 2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Nature of Language and Meaning Language is rule governed We learn the “rules” by watching and listening to our parents and caregivers. Regulative rules tell us how to use language in particular contexts. Copyright © 2014, 2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Nature of Language and Meaning Language communicates power Confident, assertive communication creates powerful language. A person using this language will be perceived as credible and capable. Powerless language conveys uncertainty and tentativeness. Copyright © 2014, 2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

The Meaning of Words... Ogden and Richards Model Insert figure 4.1 Page 8 Copyright © 2014, 2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

The Meaning of Words... Denotative Connotative The dictionary meaning of a word Connotative Determined by someone’s experiences, values, and culture (frame of reference) Copyright © 2014, 2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Factors That Influence Our Language... Culture The customary beliefs and attitudes of a racial, religious, or social group These customs shape the language used in the group Copyright © 2014, 2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Factors That Influence Our Language... Ethnic groups Racial groups Social groups Subcultures create identity through language. Copyright © 2014, 2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Factors That Influence Our Language... Geographic location Often accounts for language differences For example, a carbonated beverage is called “soda” along the East Coast. People in the Midwest call it “pop.” Copyright © 2014, 2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Factors That Influence Our Language... Perceptions A result of our experiences, social groups, cultural backgrounds, and geographic location. These factors shape and provide us with language to express what we see as reality. Our frame of reference. Copyright © 2014, 2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Problems With Language Vague Language Lacks directness and is void of details Creates confusion and leaves the other person wondering what you mean Copyright © 2014, 2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Problems With Language Abstraction Using broad terms to explain ideas or concepts Often the receiver or audience does not understand the terms being used Copyright © 2014, 2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Problems With Language Multiple Meanings Some words have different meanings to different people, making it difficult to discern the meaning Copyright © 2014, 2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Problems With Language Jargon/Technical Language Specialized terms associated with a particular discipline, skill, or career Leaves the receiver confused and frustrated Copyright © 2014, 2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Problems With Language Slang Language that is used by a co-culture Can be geographical or generational Copyright © 2014, 2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Problems With Language... Doublespeak William Lutz defined doublespeak as “the language that avoids responsibility, that makes the bad seem good, the negative appear positive, something unpleasant appear attractive, language that only appears to communicate” (1999). Copyright © 2014, 2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Problems With Language... Doublespeak Examples of Doublespeak... “awarded a non-passing grade” = failed an assignment “negative employment growth” = unemployment “chronologically experienced citizen” = an older person Copyright © 2014, 2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Problems With Language Euphemisms Words that substitute for other words because they are more pleasant. Although they can be used to spare someone’s feelings, they can be confusing and misleading. Larger clothing sizes are “plus size” When someone dies, they “pass away” Nuclear waste referred to as “spent fuel” Copyright © 2014, 2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Problems With Language Racist, Sexist, Generic Language, and Insensitive Language Be aware of all language that may offend others, not just race and sex, but things like age and sexual orientation Avoid using “he” or “man” to refer to all people Copyright © 2014, 2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Improving Verbal Skills Being Descriptive Use specific words that describe behavior or phenomena Don’t offer an explanation or interpretation of the behavior, just state the facts Copyright © 2014, 2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Improving Verbal Skills Dating Use a specific time reference to clarify a message By interjecting a specific date, we make a statement based on fact Copyright © 2014, 2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Improving Verbal Skills Indexing A technique that takes into account the individual differences among people, objects, and places Helps accurately reflect our perceptions Copyright © 2014, 2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Improving Verbal Skills Avoiding vulgar language and profanity Can cause damage by alienating our audience Copyright © 2014, 2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Improving Verbal Skills Eliminating generic language Instead of using “he” when referring to all people, use the word “people” Avoid using the word “man” when you want to talk about men and women; instead use the word “they” Copyright © 2014, 2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.