Chapter 4
“Discovering the
Power of Oral
Language”
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Topics of Discussion
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Defining Language
Characteristics of oral language
Characteristics of speech sounds
Putting language into perspective
Understanding and using power language
Understanding levels of usage
Functions of oral language
Language to avoid
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Section 1
“The Nature of Oral
Language”
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Defining Language
Language has rules
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Rules differ from written
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Seldom taught directly
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Learned from listening and using
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Defining Language
Language is like a code
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Characteristics of Oral Language
Meaning
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Characteristics of Oral Language
Vocabulary
 Need variety of words just like you need
variety of clothes
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Characteristics of Oral Language
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Structure
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Way parts of language are arranged
Grammar
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Basic understanding of rules that regulate
language
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Characteristics of Oral Language
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Sound
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Dr Fox Hypothesis
People are judged on speech sounds
The way you sound affects message
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Why building vocabulary is
important
Makes an impression of who you are and what
you’re like
Depends heavily on context and subject to
standards of appropriateness
Allows clear and effective expression in wide
range of situations with wide range of people
Allows interpretation of others’ messages
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Adds interest and personality
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Characteristics of Speech Sounds
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Diction
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Determined by choices in pronunciation,
articulation and enunciation
Pronunciation
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Listed in dictionary
Use first listing
Mark of a knowledgeable and literate person
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Characteristics of Speech Sounds
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Articulation
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Consonant sounds
Omission errors – leave out sounds
Addition
“ - add sounds
Substitution “ - use one sound for another
Slurring “ - consonant sounds run together
Jeet?
Novyu?
 Surefyurgonna.
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Nopedyuwanna?
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Characteristics of Speech Sounds
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Enunciation
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Vowel sounds
Faulty placement of teeth or tongue can
distort sounds
Usually subconscious
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Characteristics of Speech Sounds
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Dialect
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Can refer to a language that only exists is oral
form
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Regional dialects
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EX: Navajo code talkers
EX: southern drawl
Ethnic and cultural dialects
Acceptable only within region or culture
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Speaking Clearly and Effectively
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Make appropriate choices with knowledge
and understanding of choices
Draw from large flexible vocabulary
Add conventions and rules appropriately
Practice clear diction
Eliminate distracting elements
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Putting Language into Perspective
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Personal implications
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Conveys attitude
Determines success
Effective strategies
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Increase knowledge base
Build vocabulary – practice in safe environment
Use clear statements and clear questions
Use clear diction
Use effective language to build positive relationships
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Cultural Implications of Oral
Language
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Historical research
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Early 1800s
Jakob and Wilhelm Grimm
Traveled throughout Germany
Stories’ minor details changed but major points the
same
Became fascinated with differences in language
Wrote phonetic descriptions of speech patterns and
language choices
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Cultural Implications of Oral
Language
Grimm’s Law
 No one speech pattern is superior to another
 Oral language in each area best serves the
needs of people within that culture.
 No grammatical errors with in oral culture
 Agreed upon language is only good within the
culture
 Crossing culture lines may make choice
inappropriate
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Section 2
“Developing Skills for
Power Language”
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Understanding and Using Power
Language
Characteristics of power language
 Clarity
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How
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Precise speech, clearly organaized and
grammatical, easy to understand
Effects
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May develop image as knowledgeable, efficient
communicator. Understanding enhanced by ability
to speak effectively.
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Understanding and Using Power
Language
Characteristics of power language
 Courtesy and tact
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How
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Listens empathically, negotiates respectfully,
disagrees agreeably, focuses on issues not people
Effect
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Respect and consideration promote positive
relationships,
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Understanding and Using Power
Language
Characteristics of power language
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Ownership of thoughts and feelings
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How
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Uses “I” to express opinions, ideas, and feelings
“I was bored” not “That was boring”
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Effect
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Seen as self-confident, responsible, and non-judgmental
Viewed as someone who gets things done, not a “blamer”
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Understanding and Using Power
Language
Characteristics of power language
 Inclusion of others
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How
Speaks with direct reference to others
 Listens empathically
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Effect
Establishes common ground
 Paves way for cooperation and understanding
 Seen as open-minded and interested
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Understanding and Using Power
Language
Characteristics of power language
 Vividness and imagery
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How
Express ordinary ideas in imaginative way
 Helps people visualize complex ideas
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Effect
Speech is interesting and memorable
 People look forward to hearing what you have to
say
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Understanding and Using Power
Language
Characteristics of power language
 Appropriate usage
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How
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Uses level of language appropriate for context
Effect
Viewed as reasonable, thoughtful, with strong
command of language
 Trusted to communicate appropriately
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Understanding Levels of Usage
Formal
 Strict standards dictate its use
 Used in situations requiring rigid protocol
and form
 EX: court, parliamentary procedure,
ceremonies
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Understanding Levels of Usage
Technical (Jargon)
 Can be misunderstood by outsiders
 May need to be explained to listeners
 Changes rapidly with new needs
 Knowledge is vital in specialized activities
or workplace
 EX: computer, math, sports
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Understanding Levels of Usage
Standard (Power Language)
 Often called “correct” speech
 Precise vocabulary
 Accurate structure
 Adheres to rules
 Clear diction
 Used most in professional and social
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Understanding Levels of Usage
Informal
 Used in casual settings
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Colloquialisms
Regional idioms
 Can add local flavor
 Don’t translate well outside of culture
 Overuse can give perception of being uneducated
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Understanding Levels of Usage
Informal
 Used in casual settings
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Slang
Temporary language
 Used by limited number of people
 Excludes outsiders
 Can cripple expression
 Can creep into inappropriate areas
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Understanding Levels of Usage
Ungrammatical
 Can detract from message
 Can tarnish credibility
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Choosing Your Speaking Style
Just as you are known for wearing a
particular style of clothing, you probably
are known for your style of speech, but
language tells more about you than
clothes.
The level you choose defines your overall
image.
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Functions of Oral Language
EXPRESSING and responding to feeling
 Non-expression can be cultural or from
lack of confidence
 Learning to rationally state feelings can be
empowering
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Knowing how to calmly express feelings can
reverse a frustrating situation
No fault found for calmly and honestly stating
feelings
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Functions of Oral Language
Expressing and RESPONDING to feeling
 Certain amount of power lies in listening
and responding to feelings of others
 Helps gain trust and respect
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EX: I’m sorry you were disappointed.
EX: You shouldn’t be disappointed.
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Functions of Oral Language
Giving and seeking information
 Need to ask and answer clearly and
effectively
 Phrase questions and answers to the focus
directly on information needed or given
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Functions of Oral Language
Controlling and persuading
 Enormous power lies in being able to influence
others
 Much effectiveness in requests and demands
depends on language used
 Difficult to get results and preserve relationship
 Requires clarity, directness, self-confidence,
courtesy, tact, and integrity
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Functions of Oral Language
Participating in social rituals
 Follow a pattern and call for using social
etiquette
 Basis of interpersonal comm. at work
 First stepping stone to developing
relationships
 Use courtesy, tact, civility and good
manners
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Functions of Oral Language
Creating and imagining
 Vital to success in almost every area
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Find new solutions
Generate ideas
Useless if you can’t express ideas
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Language to avoid
Sexist
 Implies something is more suited to one
gender
 Perpetuates stereotypes
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Alternative
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Use gender neutral terms
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Language to avoid
Racist
 Applies labels or behaviors to entire race
 Language of stereotypes and prejudice
 Often offensive
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Alternative
Use names and descriptions void of race
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Language to avoid
Profanity
 Vulgar, irreverent, abusive
 Considered defensive
 Damages credibility
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Alternative
Express and assume ownership of feelings
Expand vocabulary to choose accurate words
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Language to avoid
Judgmental
 Implies critique of someone or something
 Uses “good” and “bad”
 “Why” can be seen as defensive or
judgmental
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Alternative
Your opening didn’t hold my attention/That
was a bad introduction
Ask questions that begin with other 5Ws and
H
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Language to avoid
Accusatory
 “You” messages can sound bossy or
accusatory
 Listener feels accused or attacked
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Alternative
Begin with “I”
You need to clean your room/ I’m not happy
with the way your room looks
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Language to avoid
Assumptive
 Implies that everyone shares your views
or concerns
 Can trigger “No I don’t” reaction that puts
listener on the defense
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Alternative
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Use “may be”, “can be” or “appears to be”
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Language to avoid
Absolute
 Assumes NO exceptions
 Risky because few things never change
and there are usually exceptions to rules
 Can cause you to be seen as a liar
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Alternative
Avoid “always”, “never”
Use less rigid terms “often”, “seldom”
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Powerless language
Fillers
 Adds no value but detracts from message
and speaker’s image
 Alternative
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Uses pauses
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Powerless language
Fillers
“Well, I, uh, want to , you know, graduate with,
uh, honors, you know, because I, like want to,
uh, maybe even, like to to, uh college, or
something”
“I really want to graduate with honors because I
want to get a good job or go to college.”
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Powerless language
Tags
 Make speakers appear less confident and
knowledgeable
 Seem to be seeking approval or
permission
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Alternative
“It’s time to go, don’t you think?”/It’s time to
go.”/Don’t you think it’s time to go?”
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Powerless language
Vague wording
 Rely on “they”, “it”, “thing” or “but”
 Makes communication impersonal, abstract and
without detail
 “but” is a message wipe-out
 Makes speaker appear indecisive or confused
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Alternative
Be specific – “They want you to sign it.”/The office
manager wants you to sign the time sheet.”
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Giving Criticism
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4.
Use descriptive C not judgmental
Evaluate how YOU feel
Request change
State consequences
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Receiving Criticism
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Ask for description of facts
Paraphrase criticism
Agree with assessment when possible
Listen for desired change
Stay focused on rewards
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Copyright Laws
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Fair Use Doctrine
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Non-commercial, educational
More factual, less creative
More taken = less fair use
Effect on potential market
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What this means?
The words and expressions you use can be
your best ally or your worst enemy.
Power language can help you get the
results you want.
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