Chapter 7 Section 3: Language and Dress

Informal Language It is the casual language that you use with your friends. Often includes: – Slang – Other words or phrases that work well in interpersonal communication when people are comfortable with each other.

Informal Language May hear it in the halls, cafeteria, parties, mall, etc… Informal Language should only be used in informal settings.

Standard Language The language most commonly accepted and expected by most social groups, as well as professionals. Standard Language Includes: – Having a good vocabulary – Using proper sentence structure – Exhibiting sound grammar skills

Standard Language Is accepted just about anywhere: – On a job interview – Talking to teachers and principals – Talking to parents

Technical Language The language used in specific professional fields. “Job Speak” that includes jargon or technical terms. Usually not understood by outsiders or the general public.

Appropriate Dress Basic guidelines: – Adapt to the Occasion: be at least as dressed up as those around you, if not more. – Respect the Expectation of Your Employer: If you deal with customers you may be expected to be more dressed up than someone who does not.

Appropriate Dress Maintain Professionalism in Your Choice of Clothing: Wear clothes that do not distract from your abilities or the task/job you need to perform. (ex: jewelry, slogans, etc…) Be Neat and Well Groomed: This emphasizes your attention to detail.

On Your Own Paper What type of language and dress would be appropriate for each of the following? – A grunge rock concert – Meeting a friends parents for the first time – A basketball game – An awards banquet

Chapter 7 Section 4: Respecting Differences

Appreciating Age, Gender, and Ethnicity Avoid Stereotypes Old common stereotypes in America: – Women baked cookies and took care of the house – Older men sat in the corner and played checkers – Older women sat in rocking chairs and knitted

Appreciating Age, Gender, and Ethnicity Age: Sometimes older Americans retire from one career and begin another. Gender: Men and women often have interchangeable roles, with professional careers and home duties being divided. Ethnicity: People of different nationalities or origins may bring insight and a different perspective.

Promoting Diversity Be Open-Minded: this is the first step to understanding people and issues. Open minded people are searchers. Research shows that the best long range planning occurs when the group is mixed and diverse.

Promoting Diversity Be Tolerant: This is your capacity to recognize the rights, practices, or opinions of others even if you do not agree. Before you speak too quickly on something, ask yourself: – “Do I have any personal barriers that would get in the way of this relationship?” – “Does this company/organization promote diversity?” – “What are our differences and commonalities?”

Promoting Diversity Be Empathetic: Put yourself in someone else’s shoes. Ask yourself: – “How will my words and actions affect this person?” – “Could this remark possibly hurts someone’s feelings?” – How can I show this person that even though I don’t agree with the position, I can see where they are coming from?”