• Theory/Principle:
Powerful and Powerless Language (Textbook pg.95-96)
As we speak, many of us use tag questions—for example, “Let’s go to the
movies, okay?” –in making simple statements. We also use hedges—“kinda” and “I
think”—or disclaimers such as “I probably shouldn’t say this” and “I’m not really sure.”
In examining seven message types of differing power, Baeadac and Mulac (1984) found
that the language forms just described as well as hesitations such as “uh” and “well” are
perceived by•• other people as forms of powerless and ineffective speech on the other
hand, speech free of such usage is considered both powerful and effective.
A more recent study explored the relationship between language style and
gender stereotypes (Quina et al., 1987). Researchers found that individuals using a socalled feminine style of speech characterized by politeness, exaggeration, hedging, and
illogical sequence—one that as generally nonassertive—were perceived as having
greater warmth but less competence than those having a “masculine” style. The authors
remind us that “a polite, warm linguistic style is not consistent with the popular image
of American corporate success or achievement” (p.118). Nonetheless, qualities
associated with a feminine style included sensitivity, friendliness, and sincerity.
In general, communicators who use a powerful style are considered more
competent and attractive. Legal situations are different, however; plaintiffs and perhaps
because they seem “in control” of themselves. Less powerful speakers are more often
seen as victims (Bradac et al., 1981)
But it is not always the language itself that reveals who is powerful: The
information provided by context as well as the personalities of those involved must also
be considered. For example, the boss who asks the secretary to type something, by using
several powerless forms such as hesitations, hedges, and tag questions, may appear
polite and social—not powerless—even though he or she makes the request sound less
like a demand (Bradac, 1983) 1
Great background description Ryan
• The Situation (context) in which you are applying the theory
I had a presentation at Korean Politics class today (07/12/2004) and I used
some powerful languages and some powerless languages. According to the theory, it is
essential to use both styles in our lives. Some times, powerful language is effective, but
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Stewart L. Tubbs and Sylvia Moss, Human Communication Principles and Contexts,
Mc Graw Hill, Chapter 3, The Verbal Message p. 95, 96
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powerless languages are also effective in some situations. I believed that such an inclass presentation would be very good chance for me to practice these two styles of
language usages. It is because, at a presentation a speaker has much opportunity to
speak out, listen, and respond to the audiences.
• Desired Goal or Objective
My truly wanted to have a great presentation. I desired that powerful and
powerless languages could help my presentation effectively so that I can tell the
audiences beneficial information.
• Measurement Indicator(s)
I ask some people at the class to evaluate my presentation objectively. Yoonjung, Bo-mi, Jae, and Professor Sun-hyuk Kim were the main listeners.
• How to Apply
The presentation was about Chung-hee Park who was the President of South
Korea from 1963 to 1979. When I explained some general facts and described some
incidents, I used powerful languages. On the other hands, when I talked about his
personal life and analysis, I used some powerless languages.
• Number of times you are going to practice
I practiced more than three times. It means I actually had the thirty minutes
long presentation for three times before I had the real presentation at the class. I once
did in front of my family and I also practiced in front of the mirror in my room.
• Actual Results
I believe that it was successful presentation. However, since my first language
is not English, I had a hard time to speak with powerless languages. According to my
research in this powerful and powerless language theory, I came to know that people
can use the powerless languages when he/she is very accustomed to the language. Using
“uh”, “well”, and “kinda” (examples from the text) are not formal English that I learned
from school. Rather, some polite and strong formal English was much easier for me to
speak than powerless-informal English. Other students and the professor felt in the same
way.
• Conclusion: Plus and Delta
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I once more realized that languages are very important for one person to lead a
group. Especially, when a person speaks a foreign language in a certain situation, it is
better to speak correctly and use powerful languages. If it is the formal situation, it is
crucial to use powerful languages. However, when we talk to our friends or people who
want to be friends with you, you may use powerless languages. If you also use powerful
languages in these kinds of situations, you may feel very strange or make other people
uncomfortable.
There is an adage that I always think of: “Wherever the Sun shines, there must
be a shadow.” Powerful language and powerless language are opposite but both are
important in human communication. As I practiced through the assignment, I felt that it
is very essential to use either of them in a proper situation. A person who can speak
powerful language in a right time will be a powerful person; a person who can speak
powerless language in a proper time will be a friendly, sociable, and polite person in a
certain group.
Depending on your audience, one style will work better. For example, if you
were speaking to an American audience, the powerful style works better at persuasion
and establishing yourself as an expert.
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