• Describe the importance of language and the oral tradition.
• Distinguish between denotative and connotative meaning.
• Demonstrate effective use of language.
• Explain the six elements of language.

(This Module meets the TAG/OCM 013 for a Public Speaking Course; Learning Outcome 9)

Stand up, Speak Out: The Practice and Ethics of Public Speaking

Chapter 13: The Importance of Language  

• 13.1 - Oral versus Written Language
• 13.2 - Using Language Effectively
• 13.3 - Six Elements of Language
• 13.4 - Chapter Exercises

Journal Article

NOTE: This resource requires the user to have access to OhioLINK 

Oral Communication Skills in Higher Education: Using a Performance-Based Evaluation Rubric to Assess Communication Skills. Dunbar, N. E., Brooks, C. F., & Kubicka-Miller, T. (2006). Innovative Higher Education, 31(2), 115–128.

Video Resources

• Spoken vs. Written Language  - This video is compares dyadic speech and written language rather than public speaking. However, parallels can be made to the public speaking process. 
  • Linguistics UoN Published on May 17, 2014
  • Category People & Blogs
     
• Language - A brief tutorial on using language in public speaking. Includes using language appropriately and effectively.  Good summary of the chapter, aligns well with the reading material.
  • COMMpadres Media Published on Feb 15, 2017
  • Category Education,  License Creative Commons Attribution license (reuse allowed)
     
• Vocal Delivery - A brief tutorial on vocal delivery for public speaking. (first 1.11mins) Topics include nonverbal communication, vocal variety, pronunciation, and articulation.
  • COMMpadres Media Published on Dec 13, 2016
  • Category Education,  License Creative Commons Attribution license (reuse allowed)
     
• Connotation vs Denotation 
  • Student Success Center OCtech Published on Nov 20, 2013
  • Category Education,  License Creative Commons Attribution license (reuse allowed)
     
• World Relationships (Figurative Language) - This is a short video overview on Figurative Language! NOTE: THIS IS NOT CLOSED CAPTION
  • Cheyenne Thornton Published on Dec 7
  • Category Education,  License Creative Commons Attribution license (reuse allowed)
     
• Language - A brief tutorial on using language in public speaking. Topics include using language appropriately and effectively. NOTE: This video is embedded into Powerpoint Slides
  • COMMpadres Media  Published on Feb 15, 2017
  • Category Education, License Creative Commons Attribution license (reuse allowed)

Direct Link to Google Slides

Copy Presentation to “My Google Drive”

Force a download of PPTx (PowerPoint) File

Reading vs. Speaking Exercise

(25-45 minutes depending on length of class discussion)

Break the students into groups (3 to 4 participants) ask them to first read a section out of any TEXTBOOK they may have with them.  Then ask them as a group to prepare a 1-2 min presentation/speech on the same material using the elements of oral vs. written language we discussed in class.   Which was more engaging?  How did the language differ? 

Martin Luther King Jr. speech “I Have a Dream”  Class Discussion or Homework

I Have a Dream Speech 

(18 minutes to listen to speech, 25-45 minutes depending on length of class discussion depending on length of class discussion)  This could also be done as a short homework assignment. (graded or ungraded) NOTE:  THIS IS NOT CLOSED CAPTION. This is complete text of the speech.

Listen or read speech in its entirety.  Ask the students to identify elements of vivid language used by King.   

TEDTALK “My Stroke Insight” - Class Discussion 

My Stroke of Insight Video

(18 minutes to listen to speech, 25-45 minutes depending on length of class discussion depending on length of class discussion) The author is discussing complex and technical information -- our brain and how it functions.  How does she use language to engage her audience?  Make her presentation relevant and understandable?  Ask the students to identify elements of  language used by the speaker.

Topic Summary

Language and the effective use of language are essential to the communication process and successful oral presentations. This section starts with how we create meaning; both denotative and connotative meaning.  It continues with the difference between written language and reading; and speaking and listening.  It explores effective use of language, by ensuring our language is appropriate, vivid, inclusive and familiar to our audience.  There are six elements of language:  clarity, economy, obscenity, obscurity, power and variety.  

Glossary of Key Terms/Concepts

1. Language
2. Denotative Meaning
3. Connotative Meaning
4. Oral Language
5. Written Language
6. Appropriate Language
7. Vivid Language
8. Imagery
9. Concrete Language
10. Simile
11. Metaphor
12. Parallelism
13. Repetition
14. Alliteration
15. Assonance
16. Inclusive Language
17. Language Clarity
18. Language Economy
19. Obscenity
20. Obscure Language
21. Jargon
22. Power Language

Review questions

1. Should you ever write your speech out like an english essay and read it to your audience? 
    
2. Give an example of: Imagery, Concreteness, Simile, Metaphor, Rhythm, Parallelism, Repetition, Alliteration and Assonance
    
3. What is the denotative and connotative meaning of words:  “dog”, “college”, “blue”.
    
4. “Rumors often spread like wildfire.” Is and example of______________.
    
5. How does our language differ when we write vs when we speak?

Discussion Questions

1. What is inclusive language?  How does a speaker ensure they use inclusive language and still follow the rule of language economy? 
    
2. Using appropriate language means, a speaker’s language is suitable for the speaker, the audience, the occasion and purpose of the speech.  How do we change our language to adapt to these different factors.
    
3. Is is ever acceptable to use an obscenity while giving a speech in college classroom? 
    
4. Have you ever sent an email or text message that has been misunderstood?  Why was it misunderstood?  What can we do to reduce misunderstandings?