10Using Language

Effectively

Language

The system of words people use to communicate with others

He didn't have to wake upHe'd been up all nightLayin’ there in bed listenin’To his new born baby cryHe makes a pot of coffeeHe splashes water on his faceHis wife gives him a kiss and saysIt gonna be OK

Language Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel bothAnd be one traveler, long I stoodAnd looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth;

When I was young me and my mama had beefSeventeen years old kicked out on the streetsThough back at the time, I never thought I'd see her faceAin't a woman alive that could take my mama's placeSuspended from school; and scared to go home, I was a fool with the big boys, breakin all the rules

Language Basics

Language is arbitrary—different meanings depending on the cultureLanguage is ambiguous—words have multiple meaningsLanguage is abstract— intangible Language is active—full of life

Spoken Versus Written Language

Dynamic versus static Immediate versus distant Informal versus formal Narratives versus facts Rhythm versus image

Audience-Centered Language

Put your language in context Personalize your language Use inclusive language Use visual language Spark imagination with your language

Guidelines for Using Language

Use spoken language Choose meaningful words Balance clarity and ambiguity Be concise Avoid offensive and aggressive language