12. Using Words Well: Speaker Language and Style

Question 1

Oral Versus Written Language Style

Answer 1

Oral style: more personal, less formal, more repetitious.

Question 2

Using Words Effectively

Answer 2

To hold your audience’s attention, keep your language concrete

To make your language unbiased, avoid language that demeans, stereotypes, or patronizes groups of people

To keep your language simple, avoid a long word when a short one will do

To use your language correctly, consider connotative as well as denotative messages.

Use vivid words (make your audience feel)

Question 3

Crafting Memorable Word Structures

Answer 3

Creating figurative images (use figures of speech, e.g Education is the vaccine for violence).

Creating Drama. Leave out a word or phrase that the audience expects to hear (e.g I came, I saw, I conquered - Julius Caesar)
Inversion - This much we pledge…
Guilty are those who…
Suspense - you use a word or phrase at the end of the sentence, rather than beginning : To this place, and the kindness of these people, I owe everything.

Creating Candence.
Repetitions: The war is inevitable - and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come!
Alliteration: disciplne and direction / confidence and courage.

Question 4

Tips for Using Language Effectively

Answer 4

Save your use of stylistic devices for times during your speech when you want your audience remember your key ideas

Short words are more forceful than long ones.

Use stylistic devices to economize