1. Chapter Twelve Using Language Effectively

2. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.12 - 2 Chapter Goals Understand the power of language Apply standards to use language effectively Learn ways to magnify the power of language

3. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.12 - 3 Power of the Spoken Word The words of our language shape the way we think Language is the basis of all our social interactions Words are the essence of our being, or, language determines how we see ourselves

4. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.12 - 4 Characteristics of Oral Language Personal Informal Colorful Short, simple sentences or fragments Repeats and amplifies ideas Relies on examples and stories Emphasizes rhythm

5. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.12 - 5 Forms of Meaning Denotative –dictionary usage –encourages detachment Connotative –personal usage –intensifies feelings

6. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.12 - 6 Ways oral language can influence Influences how listeners see subjects Influences how listeners feel about those subjects Influences how listeners identify with one another Influences how listeners act

7. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.12 - 7 Overcoming Emotional Barriers Overcoming time Overcoming distance Overcoming apathy

8. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.12 - 8 The Language of Unity Bring to life images of their heroes and enemies Describe group traditions they may have forgotten Depict in concrete terms the deeper values they share Picture common problems Illustrate goals they can share Define in simple terms the first step they can take together, and urge them to take it Speak the language of inclusion

9. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.12 - 9 Six C’s of Language Use Clarity Color Concreteness Correctness Conciseness Cultural sensitivity

10. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.12 - 10 Six C’s of Language Use Clarity –/ jargon, doublespeak …

11. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.12 - 11 Six C’s of Language Use Clarity Avoid jargon Avoid pretentious words Be careful with euphemisms Be alert to doublespeak Amplify what you say –Repetition –Rephrasing –Examples –Compare and contrast

12. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.12 - 12 Six C’s of Language Use Color Emotional intensity Vivid language Paint word pictures Language of the people

13. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.12 - 13 Six C’s of Language Use Concreteness Avoid abstractions Be specific

14. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.12 - 14 Six C’s of Language Use Correctness Avoid grammatical errors Avoid pronunciation errors Avoid misuse and confusion of meaning

15. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.12 - 15 Six C’s of Language Use Conciseness Make every word count Use simple language Use direct language Don’t use two words when one will do

16. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.12 - 16 Six C’s of Language Use Cultural sensitivity

17. Figurative Language Simile Metaphor Personification Culturetypes Ideographs God & Devil terms Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.12 - 17

18. Culturetypes Maverick McCain Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.12 - 18

19. Ideographs Change Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.12 - 19

20. God & Devil Terms Patriot: one who loves and defends his or her country Insurgency: Rising in revolt against established authority, especially a government Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.12 - 20

21. Word Order Antithesis –“not only, but” Inversion –“Ask not … Parallel Construction –We will not falter, we will not fail Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.12 - 21

22. Sounds of Words Alliteration –Nattering nabobs of negativism Onomatopoeia –Refugees trudge Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.12 - 22

23. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.12 - 23 The Ethical Use of Powerful Language Avoid depictions that distort reality Use words to support sound reasoning Use language to empower both traditions and visions Use images to renew appreciation of shared values Use language to strengthen the ties of community Use language to overcome inertia and inspire listeners to action Be cautious about melodramatic language