Verbal Communication

Chapter Three

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

The spoken or written words you send or receive when communicating.

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.

“Good Morning.”

“Hi.”

“Mornin’.”

“What’s new?”

“What’s up?”

“Yo!”

Technical Language(or jargon)

Specialized language used by people with expertise in a particular field.

Jargon used by a set design team:

Dutchman Brace Sight lines Toggles Sectional Fly space scrim

Speech Community

A speech community exists when people share norms about how to talk.

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.

Workplace language or behavior that puts down a person because of his or her gender.

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

The 5 W’s and H

1. Who?

2. What?

3. When?

4. Where?

5. Why?

6. How?

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.