1. COMM3 Verderber, Sellnow, and Verderber © 2014 Cengage Learning
Chapter 14: Language
COMM3
Verderber, Sellnow, and Verderber
© 2014 Cengage Learning

2. Learning Outcomes
LO Describe the ways that oral style differs from written style
LO Use language strategies that allow you to speak appropriately and connect with the audience
LO Choose clear and specific language that helps the audience understand and remember your ideas
LO Choose language that helps the audience see and experience your ideas
© 2014 Cengage Learning

3. ACTION STEPS
Language
Action Step 5 Practice Oral Language and Delivery Style

4. Learning Outcome 14-1
Oral Style
Oral style refers to how we convey messages through the spoken word.
An effective oral style differs quite a bit from written style.
You must adapt your language to your purpose, the audience, and the occasion.
© 2014 Cengage Learning

5. Speaking Appropriately
Learning Outcome 14-2
Speaking Appropriately
Speaking appropriately means using language that adapts to the needs, interests, knowledge, and attitudes of your listeners and avoiding language that alienates any audience members.
Speaking appropriately demonstrates that we respect others—even those who differ from us.
© 2014 Cengage Learning

6. Speaking Appropriately
Learning Outcome 14-2
Speaking Appropriately
If we speak inappropriately, we are likely to offend listeners and may fail to achieve our speech goal.
Speaking appropriately during a speech means:
Highlighting the relevance of your topic to the interests and needs of audience members
Establishing common ground
Underscoring your credibility
Demonstrating linguistic sensitivity
Adapting to cultural diversity
© 2014 Cengage Learning

7. Learning Outcome 14-3
Speaking Clearly
Speaking clearly means using words that convey your meaning precisely.
Public speakers can use four strategies to improve clarity:
Use specific language
Choose familiar terms
Provide details and examples
Limit vocalized pauses
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8. Figure 14.1
The Semantic Triangle
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9. Learning Outcome 14-4
Vivid Language
Vivid language is full of life—vigorous, bright, and intense.
You can make your ideas come to life by using sensory language and by using rhetorical figures and structures of speech.
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10. Learning Outcome 14-4
Sensory Language
Sensory language is language that appeals to the senses of seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling, and feeling.
Vivid sensory language begins with vivid thought.
© 2014 Cengage Learning

11. Learning Outcome 14-4
Sensory Language
To develop vivid sensory language, begin by considering how you can re-create how something, someone, or some place looks, sounds, feels, tastes, or smells.
To achieve this in your speech, use colorful descriptors. They make your ideas more concrete and can arouse emotions.
© 2014 Cengage Learning

12. Rhetorical Figures and Structures of Speech
Learning Outcome 14-4
Rhetorical Figures and Structures of Speech
Rhetorical figures of speech make striking comparisons between things that are not obviously alike to help listeners visualize or internalize what you are saying.
Rhetorical structures of speech combine ideas in a particular way.
Either of these devices can make your speech more memorable—as long as they aren’t overused.
© 2014 Cengage Learning