Ch 12

Question 1

Denotative meaning

Answer 1

Dictionary meaning

Question 2

Connotative meaning

Answer 2

Meaning suggested by associations/emotions triggered by a word/phrase

• Gives words intensity and emotional power
• More variable, figurative, and subjective meaning

Question 3

Thesaurus

Answer 3

Book of synonyms

Using language accurately–make sure you have the best words to express your ideas

Question 4

Concrete words

Answer 4

(Specific words) Words that refer to actual objects.

• Lead to a clearer, more informative speech
• Is easier for audience to recall
• More likely to claim your audience’s attention
• Key to effective imagery
• Call up mental impressions of sights, sounds, touch, smell, and taste

Question 5

Abstract words

Answer 5

(General words) Words that refer to ideas/concepts.

• Necessary to express certain kinds of ideas
• Much easier to misinterpret

Question 6

Clutter

Answer 6

Discourse that takes many more words than are necessary to express and idea

Question 7

Imagery

Answer 7

Use of vivid language to create mental images

Three ways to generate imagery:
Concrete words
Simile
Metaphor

Question 8

Simile

Answer 8

Comparison using “like” or “as”

• Explicit comparison
• Don’t make cliche

Question 9

Cliche

Answer 9

Overused expression

Avoid in speech-making!

Question 10

Metaphor

Answer 10

Comparison not using “like” or “as”
- Implicit comparison
- Can help clarify ideas/concepts
- Express feelings and emotions

Question 11

Rhythm

Answer 11

The pattern of sound in a speech. Created by carefully arranging words.

• Never emphasize sound and rhythm at the expense of meaning

Question 12

Parallelism

Answer 12

Using similar arrangement of a par or series of related words/phrases/sentences. Mimicking the sentence structure.

Question 13

Repetition

Answer 13

Reiterating one word/phrase at the beginning or end of successive clauses

• Usually results in parallelism

Question 14

Alliteration

Answer 14

Repetition of the initial consonant sound of close or adjoining words

• Makes it easy to remember
• Used in excess it can draw too much attention to the repetition and not the meaning of the speech

Question 15

Using language

Answer 15

Language does not mirror reality
Does not describe the world as it is
Does help create our sense of reality by giving meaning to events

Question 16

Using language clearly

Answer 16

Cannot assume that what is clear to you is clear to your audience
Speakers meaning must be immediately comprehensible

Can ensure this by choosing:
- Familiar words
- Concrete over abstract words
- Eliminating verbal clutter

Question 16

When to use more intense/less intense connotative meanings

Answer 16

Depends on the audience, occasion, and speaker’s purpose

Want to evoke emotion= use intense connotative meanings

Want to address an issue sounding impartial= use less intensive connotative meanings

Question 17

Familiar words

Answer 17

• One of the biggest barriers to clear speech is using big, bloated words where short, sharp ones will do the job better
  (Esp when there is technical language that may be familiar to the speaker but not the audience)
• Need terms that create sharp mental images
  Use plain talk

Question 18

Eliminate clutter

Answer 18

• Cluttered speech has become a national epidemic
• Forces listeners to hack through a tangle of words to discover the meaning
• Keep your language lean and lively
• Beware of using several words where one or two will do
• Avoid flabby phrases
• Get rid of verbal fillers
  (“You know” “Like” “Really”)
• Watch out for redundant adjectives/adverbs
• Inexperienced speakers string together two or three synonymous adjectives

Hardest part is recognizing the clutter and forcing yourself to throw away the unnecessary words
Can help eliminate by recording yourself and watching it back

Question 19

Using language vividly

Answer 19

You can be accurate without being clear and can be accurate and clear without being interesting

• Imagery
• Rhythm

Question 20

Rhythmic devices (Types)

Answer 20

Alliteration, Parallelism, Repetition, Antithesis

Question 21

Imagery devices (Types)

Answer 21

Simile and metaphor

Question 22

Language must be appropriate for

Answer 22

OATS

Occasion
Audience
Topic
Speaker

Question 22

Language appropriateness to the occasion

Answer 22

Formal vs informal

Question 23

Language appropriateness to the audience

Answer 23

• Technicality vs triviality
• Avoid language that might offend your audience
• Use inclusive language
• Avoid stereotypes

Question 24

Language appropriateness to the topic

Answer 24

• Topics that call for straightforward description and explanation = no imagery device or rhythmic device
• Topics that call for special language skills to evoke emotion, admiration, and appreciation = use imagery and rhythmic devices

Question 25

Language appropriateness to the speaker

Answer 25

• Use your own language style but still needs to be appropriate for audience/occasion/topic
• Difference b/t ones everyday speaking and one’s developed style as a speaker
• Takes years to develop your speaking style
  (Can develop this by becoming language-conscious by reading and listening to effective speakers)

Question 26

One of the biggest barriers to clear speech is …

Answer 26

…using big, bloated words where short, sharp ones will do the job better

Question 27

If you want to address an issue sounding impartial…

Answer 27

…use less intensive connotative meanings.

Question 28

Inexperienced speakers string together…

Answer 28

…two or three synonymous adjectives.

Question 29

Cluttered speech has become a…

Answer 29

…national epidemic