1. Unit 2 Chapter 5 Projects in Professional Communication
Oral Language
Unit 2
Chapter 5
Projects in Professional Communication

2. Language
Oral communication is the use of spoken language to convey ideas. Language is the single most important component of oral communication.
All languages use symbols to represent things and ideas. All of these words mean:

3. Characteristics of Language
There is no real reason why the idea of a dog should be represented by the word “dog.” Speakers of the English language simply agree what “dog” means.
Languages are all organized by grammar which provides a system by which words – and the ideas they represent – can be put into relation to one another. This allows speakers to say something about a dog, not just name it.
Language is always changing. Words, meaning and grammar “rules” have changed over centuries and continue to change today.

4. Denotation & Connotation
Words convey meaning through their denotation and connotation.
Denotation is a word’s explicit, literal meaning; dictionary definition.
Dog = furry, four-legged animal that barks.
Connotation is a word’s implied or suggested meaning. Connotations can involve emotions, images or memories – the associations made with a word that are generally positive or negative.
A letter carrier’s connotation of the word dog may be very different from a Veterinarian’s connotation of the same word.
Of the following synonyms, which has the most negative connotation to you: Childlike, Childish, or Juvenile? Why?

5. Levels of Usage
Language usage is the relationship of language to a specific situation, purpose, and audience.
Standard Spoken English may be formal and technical, informal or general and/or conversational. People use this in both formal and informal situations, like an oral presentation in class or when you’re trying to make a good impression on someone. General rules of grammar and usage apply.
Nonstandard Spoken English can include elements of Standard spoken English and also be: slang, familiar mainly to a certain region or culture; invented or coined. Many people use this in everyday communication and informal exchanges. Nonstandard terms or connotations.

6. Oral Language vs Written Language
Oral language is less formal than written language because it contains more contractions, colloquialisms, and sentence fragments.
Colloquialisms are words and phrases that are generally characteristic of spoken language and not of Standard written language. For example: common terms associated with specific regional cultures like “y’all, pop, soda,” etc. are less formal than using the proper terms “you all” and “soft drink.”
Listeners still expect vocabulary, syntax or word order, and proper usage of the language when spoken.

7. Making Communication Choices
As a speaker, you want to choose language that makes you feel comfortable, allows you to express your personality, and helps you communicate your intended message to listeners. How you make those choices defines your language style.
Every message has both style and substance:
Substance is the content of a message communicated through (the denotations of) words. This part of a message can be summarized, explained, and paraphrased.
Style is the way a message is expressed. It is determined by word choice, connotation, syntax and organization. Style can be described but it cannot be summarized or paraphrased. Example: “Where the ketchup at?” vs “Where is the ketchup?”

8. Clarity, Economy and Grace
A speaking style most likely to convey a clear message is characterized by clarity, economy, and grace.
Clarity is the clearness of style. This means selecting understandable, precise words and placing them in clear order.
Economy is the brevity and directness in expression. Meaning it express the idea briefly and to the point.
Grace is the expression of ideas in an appealing and skillful manner. A graceful style is pleasant to hear and memorable – even eloquent.

9. Abstract vs Concrete Language
Abstract words refer to general concepts or ideas.
Concrete words refer to specific items or processes you can see or instantly identify.
Which of these is abstract and which is concrete?
“I want my freedom.” vs “I’m ready for summer vacation.”
“Shondra thought her sister was wrong to bully the neighbor kids.” vs “Shondra had a problem with her sister.”
“Marcus hoped to be successful one day.” vs “Marcus wanted to finish medical school and provide free care to elderly patients without health insurance.”

10. Dialect
A language pattern, often regional, that is different from the typical pattern.
It can differ from the dominant language in vocabulary, pronunciation, or syntax.
These terms illustrate some dialectical differences between English spoken in the United States vs English spoken in the United Kingdom:
bathrobe = dressing gown
apartment = flat
steal = nick
elevator = lift
popsicle = ice lolly
fries = chips
police officer = bobby
chips = crisps
chilly = parky
trashcan = bin

11. Idioms
An idiom is an expression that means something other than the literal meaning of its words. Examples:
To “spill the beans” = telling a secret/spoiling a surprise.
To “feel like a million bucks” or be “on top of the world” or be “on cloud nine” = feeling great.
Most idioms are commonly known, but some are regional making them part of a dialect. Examples:
“It’s raining cats and dogs” is commonly know.
“It’s raining the devil and pitchforks” is from Florida.
“It’s raining monkeys” is from Louisiana.
Try not to use idioms your listeners won’t understand.

12. Jargon
The technical vocabulary of a hobby, occupation, or other specialized activity.
It should be avoided unless you are speaking to people who typically use the same jargon. Examples:
Medical field: FX = A bone fracture
Military: SAM = Surface-to-Air missile
Law Enforcement: Clean Skin = A person without a police record
Computers: Cookies = Data placed on your computer from a web server