1 chapter 4 “discovering the power of oral language”

11

Chapter 4Chapter 4

““Discovering the Discovering the Power of Oral Power of Oral

Language”Language”

22

Topics of DiscussionTopics of Discussion

Defining LanguageDefining Language Characteristics of oral languageCharacteristics of oral language Characteristics of speech soundsCharacteristics of speech sounds Putting language into perspectivePutting language into perspective Understanding and using power languageUnderstanding and using power language Understanding levels of usageUnderstanding levels of usage Functions of oral languageFunctions of oral language Language to avoidLanguage to avoid

33

Section 1Section 1

““The Nature of The Nature of Oral Oral Language”Language”

44

Defining LanguageDefining Language

Language has rulesLanguage has rules Rules differ from writtenRules differ from written Seldom taught directlySeldom taught directly Learned from listening and usingLearned from listening and using

55

Defining LanguageDefining Language

Language isLanguage is like a like a codecode

66

Characteristics of Oral Characteristics of Oral LanguageLanguage

MeaningMeaning

77


VocabularyVocabulary Need variety of words just like you Need variety of words just like you

need variety of clothesneed variety of clothes

88


StructureStructure Way parts of language are arrangedWay parts of language are arranged

GrammarGrammar Basic understanding of rules that Basic understanding of rules that

regulate languageregulate language

99


SoundSound Dr Fox HypothesisDr Fox Hypothesis People are judged on speech soundsPeople are judged on speech sounds The way you sound affects messageThe way you sound affects message

1010

Why building Why building vocabulary is vocabulary is importantimportant

Makes an impression Makes an impression of who you are and of who you are and what you’re likewhat you’re like

DependsDepends heavily heavily on contexton context and subject to and subject to standards of appropriatenessstandards of appropriateness

Allows clear and Allows clear and effective expressioneffective expression in in wide range of situations with wide range wide range of situations with wide range of peopleof people

Allows Allows interpretation ofinterpretation of others’ others’ messagesmessages Adds interest and personalityAdds interest and personality

1111

Characteristics of Speech Characteristics of Speech SoundsSounds

DictionDiction Determined by choices in pronunciation, Determined by choices in pronunciation,

articulation and enunciationarticulation and enunciation PronunciationPronunciation

Listed in dictionaryListed in dictionary Use first listingUse first listing Mark of a knowledgeable and literate Mark of a knowledgeable and literate

person person

1212


ArticulationArticulation Consonant soundsConsonant sounds Omission errors – leave out soundsOmission errors – leave out sounds Addition “ - add soundsAddition “ - add sounds Substitution “ - use one sound for anotherSubstitution “ - use one sound for another Slurring “ - consonant sounds run togetherSlurring “ - consonant sounds run together

Jeet? Novyu? Nopedyuwanna?Jeet? Novyu? Nopedyuwanna? Surefyurgonna.Surefyurgonna.

1313


EnunciationEnunciation Vowel soundsVowel sounds Faulty placement of teeth or tongue can Faulty placement of teeth or tongue can

distort soundsdistort sounds Usually subconsciousUsually subconscious

1414


DialectDialect Can refer to a language that only exists Can refer to a language that only exists

is oral form is oral form EX: Navajo code talkersEX: Navajo code talkers

Regional dialects Regional dialects EX: southern drawlEX: southern drawl

Ethnic and cultural dialectsEthnic and cultural dialects Acceptable only within region or cultureAcceptable only within region or culture

1515

Speaking Clearly and Speaking Clearly and EffectivelyEffectively

Make appropriate choices with Make appropriate choices with knowledge and understanding of knowledge and understanding of choiceschoices

Draw from large flexible vocabularyDraw from large flexible vocabulary Add conventions and rules Add conventions and rules

appropriatelyappropriately Practice clear dictionPractice clear diction Eliminate distracting elementsEliminate distracting elements

1616

Putting Language into Putting Language into PerspectivePerspective

Personal implicationsPersonal implications Conveys attitudeConveys attitude Determines successDetermines success

Effective strategiesEffective strategies Increase knowledge baseIncrease knowledge base Build vocabulary – practice in safe environmentBuild vocabulary – practice in safe environment Use clear statements and clear questionsUse clear statements and clear questions Use clear dictionUse clear diction Use effective language to build positive Use effective language to build positive

relationshipsrelationships

1717

Cultural Implications of Oral Cultural Implications of Oral LanguageLanguage

Historical researchHistorical research Early 1800sEarly 1800s Jakob and Wilhelm GrimmJakob and Wilhelm Grimm Traveled throughout GermanyTraveled throughout Germany Stories’ minor details changed but major points Stories’ minor details changed but major points

the samethe same Became fascinated with differences in Became fascinated with differences in

languagelanguage Wrote phonetic descriptions of speech patterns Wrote phonetic descriptions of speech patterns

and language choicesand language choices

1818

Cultural Implications of Oral Cultural Implications of Oral LanguageLanguage

Grimm’s LawGrimm’s Law No one speech pattern is superiorNo one speech pattern is superior to to

anotheranother Oral language in each area best serves the Oral language in each area best serves the

needs of people within that culture. needs of people within that culture. No grammatical errors with in oral cultureNo grammatical errors with in oral culture Agreed upon language is only good within Agreed upon language is only good within

the culturethe culture Crossing culture lines may make choice Crossing culture lines may make choice

inappropriateinappropriate

1919

Section 2Section 2

““Developing Skills Developing Skills for Power for Power Language”Language”

2020

Understanding and Using Understanding and Using Power LanguagePower Language

Characteristics of power languageCharacteristics of power language ClarityClarity

HowHow Precise speech, clearly organaized and Precise speech, clearly organaized and

grammatical, easy to understandgrammatical, easy to understand EffectsEffects

May develop image as knowledgeable, May develop image as knowledgeable, efficient communicator. Understanding efficient communicator. Understanding enhanced by ability to speak effectively.enhanced by ability to speak effectively.

2121


Characteristics of power languageCharacteristics of power language Courtesy and tactCourtesy and tact

HowHow Listens empathically, negotiates Listens empathically, negotiates

respectfully, disagrees agreeably, focuses respectfully, disagrees agreeably, focuses on issues not peopleon issues not people

EffectEffect Respect and consideration promote positive Respect and consideration promote positive

relationships, relationships,

2222


Characteristics of power languageCharacteristics of power language Ownership of thoughts and feelingsOwnership of thoughts and feelings

HowHow Uses “I” to express opinions, ideas, and feelingsUses “I” to express opinions, ideas, and feelings

“ “I was bored” not “That was boring”I was bored” not “That was boring”

EffectEffect Seen as self-confident, responsible, and non-Seen as self-confident, responsible, and non-

judgmentaljudgmental Viewed as someone who gets things done, not a Viewed as someone who gets things done, not a

“blamer” “blamer”

2323


Characteristics of power languageCharacteristics of power language Inclusion of othersInclusion of others

HowHow Speaks with direct reference to othersSpeaks with direct reference to others Listens empathicallyListens empathically

EffectEffect Establishes common groundEstablishes common ground Paves way for cooperation and understandingPaves way for cooperation and understanding Seen as open-minded and interestedSeen as open-minded and interested

2424


Characteristics of power languageCharacteristics of power language Vividness and imageryVividness and imagery

HowHow Express ordinary ideas in imaginative wayExpress ordinary ideas in imaginative way Helps people visualize complex ideasHelps people visualize complex ideas

EffectEffect Speech is interesting and memorableSpeech is interesting and memorable People look forward to hearing what you have People look forward to hearing what you have

to sayto say

2525


Characteristics of power languageCharacteristics of power language Appropriate usageAppropriate usage

HowHow Uses level of language appropriate for Uses level of language appropriate for

contextcontext EffectEffect

Viewed as reasonable, thoughtful, with Viewed as reasonable, thoughtful, with strong command of languagestrong command of language

Trusted to communicate appropriatelyTrusted to communicate appropriately

2626

Understanding Understanding Levels of Levels of UsageUsage

FormalFormal Strict standards dictate its useStrict standards dictate its use Used in situations requiring rigid Used in situations requiring rigid

protocol and formprotocol and form EX: court, parliamentary procedure, EX: court, parliamentary procedure,

ceremoniesceremonies

2727

Understanding Levels of Understanding Levels of UsageUsage

Technical (Jargon)Technical (Jargon) Can be misunderstood by outsidersCan be misunderstood by outsiders May need to be explained to listenersMay need to be explained to listeners Changes rapidly with new needsChanges rapidly with new needs Knowledge is vital in specialized Knowledge is vital in specialized

activities or workplaceactivities or workplace EX: computer, math, sportsEX: computer, math, sports

2828


Standard (Power Language)Standard (Power Language) Often called Often called “correct” speech“correct” speech Precise vocabularyPrecise vocabulary Accurate structureAccurate structure Adheres to rulesAdheres to rules Clear dictionClear diction Used most in professional and socialUsed most in professional and social

2929


InformalInformal Used in casual settingsUsed in casual settings

ColloquialismsColloquialisms Regional idiomsRegional idioms Can add local flavorCan add local flavor Don’t translate well outside of cultureDon’t translate well outside of culture Overuse can give perception of being Overuse can give perception of being

uneducateduneducated

3030


InformalInformal Used in casual settingsUsed in casual settings

SlangSlang Temporary languageTemporary language Used by limited number of peopleUsed by limited number of people Excludes outsidersExcludes outsiders Can cripple expressionCan cripple expression Can creep into inappropriate areasCan creep into inappropriate areas

3131


UngrammaticalUngrammatical Can detract from messageCan detract from message Can tarnish credibilityCan tarnish credibility

3232

Choosing Your Speaking Choosing Your Speaking StyleStyle

Just as you are known for wearing a Just as you are known for wearing a particular style of clothing, you particular style of clothing, you probably are known for your style of probably are known for your style of speech, but language tells more speech, but language tells more about you than clothes. about you than clothes.

The level you choose defines your The level you choose defines your overall image.overall image.

3333

Functions of Oral LanguageFunctions of Oral Language

EXPRESSING and responding to feelingEXPRESSING and responding to feeling Non-expression can be cultural or Non-expression can be cultural or

from lack of confidencefrom lack of confidence Learning to rationally state feelings Learning to rationally state feelings

can be empoweringcan be empowering Knowing how to calmly express feelings Knowing how to calmly express feelings

can reverse a frustrating situationcan reverse a frustrating situation No fault found for calmly and honestly No fault found for calmly and honestly

stating feelingsstating feelings

3434


Expressing and RESPONDING to feelingExpressing and RESPONDING to feeling Certain amount of power lies in Certain amount of power lies in

listening and responding to feelings listening and responding to feelings of othersof others

Helps gain trust and respectHelps gain trust and respect EX: I’m sorry you were disappointed.EX: I’m sorry you were disappointed. EX: You shouldn’t be disappointed.EX: You shouldn’t be disappointed.

3535


Giving and seeking informationGiving and seeking information Need to ask and answer clearly and Need to ask and answer clearly and

effectivelyeffectively Phrase questions and answers to the Phrase questions and answers to the

focus directly on information needed focus directly on information needed or givenor given

3636


Controlling and persuadingControlling and persuading Enormous power lies in being able to Enormous power lies in being able to

influence othersinfluence others Much effectiveness in requests and Much effectiveness in requests and

demands depends on language useddemands depends on language used Difficult to get results and preserve Difficult to get results and preserve

relationshiprelationship Requires clarity, directness, self-Requires clarity, directness, self-

confidence, courtesy, tact, and integrityconfidence, courtesy, tact, and integrity

3737


Participating in social ritualsParticipating in social rituals Follow a pattern and call for using Follow a pattern and call for using

social etiquettesocial etiquette Basis of interpersonal comm. at workBasis of interpersonal comm. at work First stepping stone to developing First stepping stone to developing

relationshipsrelationships Use courtesy, tact, civility and good Use courtesy, tact, civility and good

mannersmanners

3838


Creating and imaginingCreating and imagining Vital to success in almost every areaVital to success in almost every area

Find new solutionsFind new solutions Generate ideasGenerate ideas

Useless if you can’t express ideasUseless if you can’t express ideas

3939

Language to avoidLanguage to avoid

SexistSexist Implies something is more suited to Implies something is more suited to

one genderone gender Perpetuates stereotypesPerpetuates stereotypes

AlternativeAlternative Use gender neutral termsUse gender neutral terms

4040


RacistRacist Applies labels or behaviors to entire Applies labels or behaviors to entire

racerace Language of stereotypes and Language of stereotypes and

prejudiceprejudice Often offensiveOften offensive

AlternativeAlternative Use names and descriptions void of raceUse names and descriptions void of race

4141


ProfanityProfanity Vulgar, irreverent, abusiveVulgar, irreverent, abusive Considered defensiveConsidered defensive Damages credibilityDamages credibility

AlternativeAlternative Express and assume ownership of feelingsExpress and assume ownership of feelings Expand vocabulary to choose accurate Expand vocabulary to choose accurate

wordswords

4242


JudgmentalJudgmental Implies critique of someone or Implies critique of someone or

somethingsomething Uses “good” and “bad”Uses “good” and “bad” ““Why” can be seen as defensive or Why” can be seen as defensive or

judgmentaljudgmental AlternativeAlternative Your opening didn’t hold my Your opening didn’t hold my

attention/That was a bad introductionattention/That was a bad introduction Ask questions that begin with other 5Ws Ask questions that begin with other 5Ws

and Hand H

4343


AccusatoryAccusatory ““You” messages can sound bossy or You” messages can sound bossy or

accusatoryaccusatory Listener feels accused or attackedListener feels accused or attacked

AlternativeAlternative Begin with “I”Begin with “I” You need to clean your room/ I’m not You need to clean your room/ I’m not

happy with the way your room lookshappy with the way your room looks

4444


AssumptiveAssumptive Implies that Implies that everyone shares your everyone shares your

viewsviews or concerns or concerns Can trigger “No I don’t” reaction that Can trigger “No I don’t” reaction that

puts listener on the defenseputs listener on the defense AlternativeAlternative

Use “may be”, “can be” or “appears to be”Use “may be”, “can be” or “appears to be”

4545


AbsoluteAbsolute Assumes NO exceptionsAssumes NO exceptions Risky because few things never Risky because few things never

change and there are usually change and there are usually exceptions to rulesexceptions to rules

Can cause you to be seen as a liarCan cause you to be seen as a liar AlternativeAlternative Avoid “always”, “never” Avoid “always”, “never” Use less rigid terms “often”, “seldom”Use less rigid terms “often”, “seldom”

4646

Powerless languagePowerless language

FillersFillers Adds no valueAdds no value but detracts from but detracts from

message and speaker’s imagemessage and speaker’s image AlternativeAlternative

Uses pausesUses pauses

4747


FillersFillers

““Well, I, uh, want to , you know, graduate Well, I, uh, want to , you know, graduate with, uh, honors, you know, because I, like with, uh, honors, you know, because I, like want to, uh, maybe even, like to to, uh want to, uh, maybe even, like to to, uh college, or something”college, or something”

““I really want to graduate with honors I really want to graduate with honors because I want to get a good job or go to because I want to get a good job or go to college.”college.”

4848


TagsTags Make speakers appear less confident Make speakers appear less confident

and knowledgeableand knowledgeable Seem to be seeking approval or Seem to be seeking approval or

permissionpermission AlternativeAlternative ““It’s time to go, don’t you think?”/It’s It’s time to go, don’t you think?”/It’s

time to go.”/Don’t you think it’s time to time to go.”/Don’t you think it’s time to go?”go?”

4949


Vague wordingVague wording Rely on “they”, “it”, “thing” or “but”Rely on “they”, “it”, “thing” or “but” Makes communication impersonal, abstract Makes communication impersonal, abstract

and without detailand without detail ““but” is a message wipe-outbut” is a message wipe-out Makes speaker appear indecisive or confusedMakes speaker appear indecisive or confused

AlternativeAlternative Be specific – “They want you to sign it.”/The office Be specific – “They want you to sign it.”/The office

manager wants you to sign the time sheet.”manager wants you to sign the time sheet.”

Giving CriticismGiving Criticism

1.1. UseUse descriptive C descriptive C not judgmentalnot judgmental

2.2. Evaluate Evaluate howhow YOU YOU feelfeel

3.3. Request changeRequest change

4.4. State consequencesState consequences

5050

Receiving CriticismReceiving Criticism

1.1. Ask Ask for description of factsfor description of facts

2.2. Paraphrase Paraphrase criticismcriticism

3.3. Agree Agree with assessment when with assessment when possiblepossible

4.4. Listen Listen for desired changefor desired change

5.5. StayStay focus focuseded on rewards on rewards

5151

Copyright Laws Copyright Laws

Fair Use DoctrineFair Use Doctrine Non-commercial, educationalNon-commercial, educational More factual, less creativeMore factual, less creative More taken = less fair useMore taken = less fair use Effect on potential marketEffect on potential market

5252

5353

What this means?What this means?

The words and expressions you use The words and expressions you use can be your best ally or your worst can be your best ally or your worst enemy. Power language can help enemy. Power language can help you get the results you want. you get the results you want.

1 chapter 4 “discovering the power of oral language”

Documents

power of oral language

nature of oral language

language choices

oral languagelanguage

oral cultureagreed

anotheroral language

oral form ex

speech soundsthe way