View
222
Download
2
Category
Tags:
Preview:
Citation preview
After completing this chapter, you will be able to
define verbal communication identify and explain informal and formal language
and technical language explain the importance of cultural language issues explain the importance of gender-related language
issues develop your verbal skills – managing introductions,
managing phone contacts, giving directions, asking questions, and telling stories
Denotative and Connotative Meanings
The definition of a word as
it can be found in a
dictionary.
A person’s emotional or
personal response to a
word.
Examples of denotative and connotative meanings for the word “snake”
1. scaly, limbless, long-bodied reptile
2. Treacherous person
1. Rival gang symbol
2. Evil
3. Pet
4. Source of meat
Formal and Informal Language
The use of standard
English with careful
pronunciation and full
sentences.
A more relaxed language
usually used among
friends or in casual
situations.
Technical Language(or jargon)
Specialized language used by people with expertise in a particular field.
Speech communities are influenced by:
Cultural language issues Gender language issues Disabilities Etc.
Cultural Language Issues
Schools and workplaces are becoming more culturally diverse.
Bi-lingual workplaces are becoming more common.
It is helpful to learn as much about different cultures as possible – to understand cross-culture messages and foreign-language translation issues.
Socialization of Gender Speech Communities
Feminine Communication
Expectations
1. Include others.
2. Use talk cooperatively.
3. Use talk expressively.
Masculine Communication
Expectations
1. Assert yourself.
2. Use talk competitively.
3. Use talk for practical purposes.
Sexual Harassment
Is illegal in schools, corporations, and community groups.
Includes verbal and nonverbal messages such as name-calling, sexual jokes, rumors, highly personal conversations and notes, and unwanted touching.
Is unwelcome and unwanted.Makes the receiver feel uncomfortable or
threatened.
Respectful Language and Disabilities
“Persons with disabilities,” not “disabled people” “Persons with epilepsy,” not “epileptics” “Able-bodied,” not “normal”
Do not totalize another person.
(i.e. “She’s the cerebral palsied girl.”)
Verbal Skills
Competent communicators develop sets of verbal skills for managing
predictable situations.
Managing Personal Introductions
1. Mention the name of the older person first.
2. Mention the name of the female first.
3. Mention the name of the person who has a higher status or position of authority first.
Handling Business Calls
1. Identify yourself and state your business.
2. Have all information at hand so that you may refer to notes if necessary.
3. Be brief and polite.
4. If you have a complaint, be specific with your facts and reasons.
5. End with a “thank you.”
Giving Directions
1. Set the scene.
2. Use transitions words to show you are moving to a new step.
3. Check the listener’s understanding.
4. Summarize.
Types of Questions
1. Yes/no Questions
2. Opinion Questions
3. Fact/Information Questions
4. Declarative Requests
Telling Stories
1. Have a clear point to make.
2. Keep it brief.
3. Only tell stories that are general knowledge.
4. Avoid sexist language, swearing, and offensive references.
5. Keep the story truthful. Don’t exaggerate.
Summary
Formal language refers to the use of standard English. Informal language is more relaxed language used around friends. Technical language is specialized language used by people with expertise in a particular field.
Both gender and culture influence your speech community. There are five basic verbal skills that are used in everyday
life: managing personal introductions, handling phone calls, giving directions, asking questions, and telling stories.
Recommended