Verbal Communication

“Getting Competent”
Using Words Well
This chapter discusses several playful, creative, and engaging aspects of verbal
communication. Employing language in an engaging way requires some effort
for most people in terms of learning the rules of a language system, practicing,
and expanding your vocabulary and expressive repertoire. Only milliseconds
pass before a thought is verbalized and “out there” in the world. Since we’ve
already learned that we have to be accountable for the short- and long-term
effects of our communication, we know being able to monitor our verbal
communication and follow the old adage to “think before we speak” is an asset.
Using language for effect is difficult, but it can make your speech unique
whether it is in a conversation or in front of a larger audience. Aside from
communicating ideas, speech also leaves lasting impressions. The following are
some tips for using words well that can apply to various settings but may be
particularly useful in situations where one person is trying to engage the
attention of an audience.
• Use concrete words to make new concepts or ideas relevant to the
experience of your listeners.
• Use an appropriate level of vocabulary. It is usually obvious when
people are trying to speak at a level that is out of their comfort
zone, which can hurt credibility.
• Avoid public speeches that are too rigid and unnatural. Even
though public speaking is more formal than conversation, it is
usually OK to use contractions and personal pronouns. Not doing
so would make the speech awkward and difficult to deliver since it
is not a typical way of speaking.
• Avoid “bloating” your language by using unnecessary words. Don’t
say “it is ever apparent” when you can just say “it’s clear.”
• Use vivid words to paint mental images for your listeners. Take
them to places outside of the immediate setting through rich
description.
• Use repetition to emphasize key ideas.
• When giving a formal speech that you have time to prepare for,
record your speech and listen to your words. Have your outline
with you and take note of areas that seem too bland, bloated, or
confusing and then edit them before you deliver the speech.
Chapter 3 Verbal Communication
3.3 Using Words Well
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1. What are some areas of verbal communication that you can do well
on? What are some areas of verbal communication that you could
improve?
2. Think of a time when a speaker’s use of language left a positive
impression on you. What concepts from this chapter can you apply
to their verbal communication to help explain why it was so
positive?
3. Think of a time when a speaker’s use of language left a negative
impression on you. What concepts from this chapter can you apply
to their verbal communication to help explain why it was so
negative?