{"id":647,"date":"2015-02-19T23:41:32","date_gmt":"2015-02-19T23:41:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/courses.candelalearning.com\/publicspeaking1xmaster\/?post_type=chapter&p=647"},"modified":"2016-08-17T18:26:12","modified_gmt":"2016-08-17T18:26:12","slug":"chapter-10-avoiding-language-pitfalls","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/clinton-publicspeakingprinciples\/chapter\/chapter-10-avoiding-language-pitfalls\/","title":{"raw":"Avoiding Language Pitfalls","rendered":"Avoiding Language Pitfalls"},"content":{"raw":"There are other aspects of language you should consider when thinking about how language choices impact the audience\u2019s perception of you.\r\n

Profanity<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nIt seems obvious, but this fact bears repeating\u2014you should refrain from using profanity<\/strong> in your speeches. One of the primary rules of all aspects of public speaking (audience analysis, delivery, topic selection, etc.) is that you should never ignore audience expectations. Audiences do not expect speakers to use profane language, and in most cases, doing so will hurt your credibility with the audience. It is true that certain audiences will not mind an occasional profane word used for effect, but unless you are speaking to a group of people with whom you are very familiar, it is difficult to know for sure whether the majority of the audience will respond positively or negatively to such language use. If you even offend one person in an audience and that person happens to be an opinion leader for other audience members, the negative impact of your language on that one person could end up having a much larger influence on the audience\u2019s perception of you.\r\n
I wanted to cut down on the profanity, because I think I\u2019m funnier without sayin\u2019 a lot of cuss words. - Chris Tucker<\/blockquote>\r\n

Exaggeration<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nSpeakers should also be careful about exaggeration. Hyperbole<\/strong> is the use of moderate exaggeration for effect and is an acceptable and useful language strategy. What is not acceptable, however, is the use of exaggeration to an extent that you risk losing credibility. For example, while it is acceptable to note that \u201cit snows in South Texas as often as pigs fly,\u201d it would not be acceptable to state that \u201cIt never snows in South Texas.\u201d In the first case, you are using hyperbole as a form of exaggeration meant to creatively communicate an idea. In the second case, your use of exaggeration is stating something that is not true. It is unwise to use words such as \u201cnever\u201d and \u201calways\u201d when speaking. It may be the case that speakers make this mistake accidentally because they are not careful with regard to word choice. We so easily throw words like \u201calways\u201d and \u201cnever\u201d around in everyday conversation that this tendency transfers onto our public speeches when we are not thinking carefully about word choice.\r\n\r\nThere are two problems with the careless use of exaggeration. First, when you use words like \u201calways\u201d and \u201cnever,\u201d it is not likely that the statement you are making is true\u2014as very few things always<\/em> or never<\/em> happen. Therefore, audiences might mistake your careless use of language for an attempt to purposefully misrepresent the truth. Second, when you suggest that something \u201calways\u201d or \u201cnever\u201d happens, you are explicitly challenging your audience members to offer up evidence that contradicts your statement. Such a challenge may serve to impact your credibility negatively with the audience, as an audience member can make you look careless and\/or silly by pointing out that your \u201calways\u201d or \u201cnever\u201d statement is incorrect.\r\n
Exaggeration is a blood relation to falsehood and nearly as blamable. - Hosea Ballou<\/blockquote>\r\n

Powerless Language<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_693\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"262\"]\"Malalai<\/a> \"Malalai Joya speaking in Finland\"<\/a> by AfghanKabul. CC-BY<\/a>.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nFinally, think about using powerful language when speaking. Because women are more likely than men to be socialized to take the feelings of others into account, women tend to use less powerful language than men.[footnote]Gamble, T. K. & Gamble, M. W. (2003). The gender communication connection.<\/em> New York: Houghton-Mifflin. [\/footnote] Both men and women, however, can use language that communicates a lack of power. In some cases speakers use powerless language that communicates uncertainty<\/strong>. For example, a speaker might say \u201cIt seems to me that things are getting worse,\u201d or \u201cIn my estimation, things are getting worse.\u201d These phrases communicate a lack of certainty in your statements. It is likely that in the case of these speeches, the speaker is arguing that some problem is getting worse, therefore more powerful language would be acceptable. Simply state that \u201cThings are getting worse\u201d and don\u2019t weaken your statement with phrases that communicate uncertainty.\r\n\r\nSpeakers should also beware of hedges<\/strong>, tag questions<\/strong>, and qualifiers<\/strong>. Examples of hedges would include, \u201cI thought we should,\u201d \u201cI sort of think,\u201d or \u201cMaybe we should.\u201d Use more powerful statements such as \u201cWe should\u201d or \u201cI believe.\u201d In addition, speakers should avoid the use of tag questions, which are quick questions at the end of a statement that also communicate uncertainty. People who use tag questions might end a statement with \u201cDon\u2019t you think?\u201d or \u201cDon\u2019t you agree?\u201d rather than flatly stating what they believe because it can appear to audiences that you are seeking validation for your statements. Qualifiers such as \u201caround\u201d or \u201cabout\u201d make your sentences less definitive, so generally avoid using them.\r\n\r\nInterestingly, however, there are cases when using less powerful language may be useful. While a full discussion of these instances is out of the purview of this chapter, good speakers will recognize when they should use more or less powerful language. I tell my students that there are some cases when negotiation between two or more parties is the key and that in these instances using language that communicates complete certainty might impede fruitful negotiation because other parties may incorrectly perceive you as inflexible. On the other hand, in some cases you must \u201cwin\u201d an argument or \u201cbeat\u201d another speaker in order to even get to the negotiation table, and in those cases, the use of more powerful language may be warranted. It bears repeating that better speakers know how to use language in response to specific contexts in order to be successful, hence thinking about what contexts require more or less powerful language is always a good idea.\r\n
There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest. - Elie Wiesel<\/blockquote>\r\n

Incorrect Grammar<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nWhile the use of sexist or heterosexist language may imply some negative qualities about you to your audience, the use of incorrect grammar in your speech will explicitly communicate negative attributes about you quite clearly. There are four primary means by which incorrect grammar tends to make its way into speeches, including basic error<\/strong>, mispronunciations<\/strong>, regionalisms<\/strong>, and colloquialisms<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nBasic errors occur when people make simple mistakes in grammar because of carelessness or a lack of knowledge. If you are unsure about the grammatical structure of a sentence, ask someone.\r\n
Although spoken English doesn\u2019t obey the rules of written language, a person who doesn\u2019t know the rules thoroughly is at a great disadvantage. - Marilyn vos Savant<\/blockquote>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1820\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"300\"]\"President<\/a> \"Bush delivers his second Inaugural address\" by Paul Morse. Public domain.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nPracticing your speech in front of others can help you catch mistakes. Grammatical errors can also happen when speakers aren\u2019t familiar enough with their speech. If you do not know your topic well and have not given yourself an adequate amount of time for practice, you may fumble some during your speech and use incorrect grammar that you normally wouldn\u2019t use. One of the most regular critiques made of President George W. Bush is that he regularly makes grammatical errors in public. In one case President Bush stated, \u201cRarely is the question asked: Is our children learning?\u201d In another instance he stated, \u201cI have a different vision of leadership. A leadership is someone who brings people together.\u201d[footnote]About.com (2011). Bushisms\u2014U.S. President proves how difficult English really is! Retrieved from. http:\/\/esl.about.com\/library\/weekly\/aa032301a.htm [\/footnote] When President Bush makes these mistakes, many people take note and it gives his detractors ammunition to critique his ability to lead. Unlike President Bush, you do not have a team of public relations specialists ready to explain away your grammatical error so you should take great care to make sure that you\u2019re prepared to speak.\r\n
Apparently Arnold was inspired by President Bush, who proved you can be a successful politician in this country even if English is your second language. - Conan O\u2019Brien<\/blockquote>\r\nIn addition, you must be sure that you are pronouncing words correctly. In one instance I had a student who began discussing the philosopher Plato, except she pronounced his name \u201cPlatt-o\u201d instead of \u201cPlay-toe.\u201d I could see students glancing at each other and rolling their eyes in response to this mistake. Indeed, it was even difficult for me to pay attention after the mistake because it was such a blatant error. Making pronunciation mistakes, especially when you\u2019re pronouncing words that the general public deems ordinary, can seriously impede your credibility. It was likely difficult for students to take this speaker\u2019s remaining comments seriously after she\u2019d made such a big mistake. If you\u2019re unsure about how to pronounce a word, check with someone else or with the dictionary to make sure you\u2019re pronouncing it correctly. In fact, many online dictionaries such as Merriam-Webster.com and Dictionary.com now include a function that allows you to hear how the word is pronounced. And if it\u2019s a word you\u2019re not used to saying, such as a technical or medical term, practice saying it\u00a0out loud<\/em> 10-20 times a day until you\u2019re comfortable with the word. Remember that our mouths are machines and that our tongues, teeth, cheeks, lips, etc. all work together to pronounce sounds. When faced with a word that our mouths are not yet \u201ctrained\u201d to say, it is more likely that we\u2019ll mispronounce the word or stutter some on it during a speech. But if you practice saying the word out loud several times a day leading up to your speech, you\u2019re less likely to make a mistake and your confidence will be boosted instead of hurt in the midst of your speech.\r\n
Remember: Y\u2019all is singular. All y\u2019all is plural. All y\u2019all\u2019s is plural possessive. - Kinky Friedman<\/blockquote>\r\nSome grammar problems occur because people use regionalisms when speaking, which may pose problems for people in the audience not familiar with the terms being used. Regionalisms<\/strong> are customary words or phrases used in different geographic regions. For example, growing up in Texas I used \u201cy\u2019all,\u201d while my students in Pennsylvania might use \u201cyouins\u201d or \u201cyins\u201d to mean a group of people. In the South, many people use the phrase \u201cCoke\u201d to mean any soft drink (probably because Coco-Cola is headquartered in Atlanta), while in the Northeast a \u201cCoke\u201d might be called a \u201ctonic\u201d and in other regions it might be called a \u201cpop\u201d or \u201csoda pop.\u201d You must be careful when using regional terms because your audience may not interpret your message correctly if they are not familiar with the regionalism you\u2019re using. Try to find terms that are broader in their use, perhaps using \u201cyou all\u201d or \u201csoft drink\u201d instead of the regional terms you may be used to using in everyday conversations.\r\n
\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_695\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\"]\"US<\/a> \"Federal Standard Regions\"<\/a> by Belg4mit. Public domain.[\/caption]\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\nAnother grammar issue often linked to region is the use of colloquialisms. Colloquialisms<\/strong> are words or phrases used in informal speech but not typically used in formal speech. Using the word \u201ccrick\u201d instead of \u201ccreek\u201d is one example of a colloquialism, and in some areas \u201cI\u2019m getting ready to cook dinner\u201d would be said, \u201cI\u2019m fixin\u2019 to make dinner.\u201d Colloquialisms can also be phrases that stem from particular regions. In some regions nice clothes are often referred to as your \u201cSunday best,\u201d and in some areas, when people are preparing to vacuum, they note that they are getting ready to \u201cred up the place\u201d (make it ready for visitors).\r\n\r\nLike regionalisms, an audience understanding your use of colloquialisms depends on their familiarity with the language tendencies of a certain geographic area, so steering clear of their use can help you make sure that your message is understood by your audience. Another problem that regionalisms and colloquialisms have in common is that some audience members may consider their use a sign of lesser intellect because they are not considered proper grammar, so you also risk leaving a bad impression of yourself with audience members if you make these language choices for a formal presentation.\r\n
I personally think we developed language because of our deep need to complain. - Lily Tomlin<\/blockquote>\r\n

Other Language Choices to Consider<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nCliche\u0301s are phrases or expressions that, because of overuse, have lost their rhetorical power. Examples include sayings such as \u201cThe early bird gets the worm\u201d or \u201cMaking a mountain out of a molehill.\u201d Phrases such as these were once powerful ways of communicating an idea, but because of overuse these phrases just don\u2019t have the impact that they once had. Using cliche\u0301s in your speeches runs the risk of having two negative attributions being placed on you by audience members. First, audience members may feel that your use of a cliche\u0301 communicates that you didn\u2019t take the speech seriously and\/or were lazy in constructing it. Second, your audience members may perceive you as someone who is not terribly creative. Cliche\u0301s area easy ways to communicate your message, but you might pay for that ease with negative feelings about you as a speaker from your audience. Try to avoid using cliche\u0301s so that audiences are more likely to perceive you positively as a speaker.\r\n\r\nAnother consideration for speakers is whether or not to use language central to the popular culture<\/strong> of a time period. Whether we\u2019re talking about \u201cgroovy, man\u201d from the 1970s or \u201clike totally awesome\u201d from the 1980s, or \u201cword to your mutha\u201d from the 1990s, the language central to the popular culture of any time period is generally something to be avoided in formal public speaking. Like slang or profanity, language stemming from popular culture can be limited in its appeal. Some audiences may not understand it, some audiences may negatively evaluate you for using language that is too informal, and other audiences will have negative preconceived notions about \u201cthe kind of people\u201d that use such language (e.g., \u201chippies\u201d in the 1970s), and they will most likely transfer those negative evaluations onto you.","rendered":"

There are other aspects of language you should consider when thinking about how language choices impact the audience\u2019s perception of you.<\/p>\n

Profanity<\/strong><\/h2>\n

It seems obvious, but this fact bears repeating\u2014you should refrain from using profanity<\/strong> in your speeches. One of the primary rules of all aspects of public speaking (audience analysis, delivery, topic selection, etc.) is that you should never ignore audience expectations. Audiences do not expect speakers to use profane language, and in most cases, doing so will hurt your credibility with the audience. It is true that certain audiences will not mind an occasional profane word used for effect, but unless you are speaking to a group of people with whom you are very familiar, it is difficult to know for sure whether the majority of the audience will respond positively or negatively to such language use. If you even offend one person in an audience and that person happens to be an opinion leader for other audience members, the negative impact of your language on that one person could end up having a much larger influence on the audience\u2019s perception of you.<\/p>\n

I wanted to cut down on the profanity, because I think I\u2019m funnier without sayin\u2019 a lot of cuss words. – Chris Tucker<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Exaggeration<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Speakers should also be careful about exaggeration. Hyperbole<\/strong> is the use of moderate exaggeration for effect and is an acceptable and useful language strategy. What is not acceptable, however, is the use of exaggeration to an extent that you risk losing credibility. For example, while it is acceptable to note that \u201cit snows in South Texas as often as pigs fly,\u201d it would not be acceptable to state that \u201cIt never snows in South Texas.\u201d In the first case, you are using hyperbole as a form of exaggeration meant to creatively communicate an idea. In the second case, your use of exaggeration is stating something that is not true. It is unwise to use words such as \u201cnever\u201d and \u201calways\u201d when speaking. It may be the case that speakers make this mistake accidentally because they are not careful with regard to word choice. We so easily throw words like \u201calways\u201d and \u201cnever\u201d around in everyday conversation that this tendency transfers onto our public speeches when we are not thinking carefully about word choice.<\/p>\n

There are two problems with the careless use of exaggeration. First, when you use words like \u201calways\u201d and \u201cnever,\u201d it is not likely that the statement you are making is true\u2014as very few things always<\/em> or never<\/em> happen. Therefore, audiences might mistake your careless use of language for an attempt to purposefully misrepresent the truth. Second, when you suggest that something \u201calways\u201d or \u201cnever\u201d happens, you are explicitly challenging your audience members to offer up evidence that contradicts your statement. Such a challenge may serve to impact your credibility negatively with the audience, as an audience member can make you look careless and\/or silly by pointing out that your \u201calways\u201d or \u201cnever\u201d statement is incorrect.<\/p>\n

Exaggeration is a blood relation to falsehood and nearly as blamable. – Hosea Ballou<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Powerless Language<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"Malalai<\/a><\/p>\n

“Malalai Joya speaking in Finland”<\/a> by AfghanKabul. CC-BY<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Finally, think about using powerful language when speaking. Because women are more likely than men to be socialized to take the feelings of others into account, women tend to use less powerful language than men.[1]<\/sup><\/a> Both men and women, however, can use language that communicates a lack of power. In some cases speakers use powerless language that communicates uncertainty<\/strong>. For example, a speaker might say \u201cIt seems to me that things are getting worse,\u201d or \u201cIn my estimation, things are getting worse.\u201d These phrases communicate a lack of certainty in your statements. It is likely that in the case of these speeches, the speaker is arguing that some problem is getting worse, therefore more powerful language would be acceptable. Simply state that \u201cThings are getting worse\u201d and don\u2019t weaken your statement with phrases that communicate uncertainty.<\/p>\n

Speakers should also beware of hedges<\/strong>, tag questions<\/strong>, and qualifiers<\/strong>. Examples of hedges would include, \u201cI thought we should,\u201d \u201cI sort of think,\u201d or \u201cMaybe we should.\u201d Use more powerful statements such as \u201cWe should\u201d or \u201cI believe.\u201d In addition, speakers should avoid the use of tag questions, which are quick questions at the end of a statement that also communicate uncertainty. People who use tag questions might end a statement with \u201cDon\u2019t you think?\u201d or \u201cDon\u2019t you agree?\u201d rather than flatly stating what they believe because it can appear to audiences that you are seeking validation for your statements. Qualifiers such as \u201caround\u201d or \u201cabout\u201d make your sentences less definitive, so generally avoid using them.<\/p>\n

Interestingly, however, there are cases when using less powerful language may be useful. While a full discussion of these instances is out of the purview of this chapter, good speakers will recognize when they should use more or less powerful language. I tell my students that there are some cases when negotiation between two or more parties is the key and that in these instances using language that communicates complete certainty might impede fruitful negotiation because other parties may incorrectly perceive you as inflexible. On the other hand, in some cases you must \u201cwin\u201d an argument or \u201cbeat\u201d another speaker in order to even get to the negotiation table, and in those cases, the use of more powerful language may be warranted. It bears repeating that better speakers know how to use language in response to specific contexts in order to be successful, hence thinking about what contexts require more or less powerful language is always a good idea.<\/p>\n

There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest. – Elie Wiesel<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Incorrect Grammar<\/strong><\/h2>\n

While the use of sexist or heterosexist language may imply some negative qualities about you to your audience, the use of incorrect grammar in your speech will explicitly communicate negative attributes about you quite clearly. There are four primary means by which incorrect grammar tends to make its way into speeches, including basic error<\/strong>, mispronunciations<\/strong>, regionalisms<\/strong>, and colloquialisms<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Basic errors occur when people make simple mistakes in grammar because of carelessness or a lack of knowledge. If you are unsure about the grammatical structure of a sentence, ask someone.<\/p>\n

Although spoken English doesn\u2019t obey the rules of written language, a person who doesn\u2019t know the rules thoroughly is at a great disadvantage. – Marilyn vos Savant<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"President<\/a><\/p>\n

“Bush delivers his second Inaugural address” by Paul Morse. Public domain.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Practicing your speech in front of others can help you catch mistakes. Grammatical errors can also happen when speakers aren\u2019t familiar enough with their speech. If you do not know your topic well and have not given yourself an adequate amount of time for practice, you may fumble some during your speech and use incorrect grammar that you normally wouldn\u2019t use. One of the most regular critiques made of President George W. Bush is that he regularly makes grammatical errors in public. In one case President Bush stated, \u201cRarely is the question asked: Is our children learning?\u201d In another instance he stated, \u201cI have a different vision of leadership. A leadership is someone who brings people together.\u201d[2]<\/sup><\/a> When President Bush makes these mistakes, many people take note and it gives his detractors ammunition to critique his ability to lead. Unlike President Bush, you do not have a team of public relations specialists ready to explain away your grammatical error so you should take great care to make sure that you\u2019re prepared to speak.<\/p>\n

Apparently Arnold was inspired by President Bush, who proved you can be a successful politician in this country even if English is your second language. – Conan O\u2019Brien<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

In addition, you must be sure that you are pronouncing words correctly. In one instance I had a student who began discussing the philosopher Plato, except she pronounced his name \u201cPlatt-o\u201d instead of \u201cPlay-toe.\u201d I could see students glancing at each other and rolling their eyes in response to this mistake. Indeed, it was even difficult for me to pay attention after the mistake because it was such a blatant error. Making pronunciation mistakes, especially when you\u2019re pronouncing words that the general public deems ordinary, can seriously impede your credibility. It was likely difficult for students to take this speaker\u2019s remaining comments seriously after she\u2019d made such a big mistake. If you\u2019re unsure about how to pronounce a word, check with someone else or with the dictionary to make sure you\u2019re pronouncing it correctly. In fact, many online dictionaries such as Merriam-Webster.com and Dictionary.com now include a function that allows you to hear how the word is pronounced. And if it\u2019s a word you\u2019re not used to saying, such as a technical or medical term, practice saying it\u00a0out loud<\/em> 10-20 times a day until you\u2019re comfortable with the word. Remember that our mouths are machines and that our tongues, teeth, cheeks, lips, etc. all work together to pronounce sounds. When faced with a word that our mouths are not yet \u201ctrained\u201d to say, it is more likely that we\u2019ll mispronounce the word or stutter some on it during a speech. But if you practice saying the word out loud several times a day leading up to your speech, you\u2019re less likely to make a mistake and your confidence will be boosted instead of hurt in the midst of your speech.<\/p>\n

Remember: Y\u2019all is singular. All y\u2019all is plural. All y\u2019all\u2019s is plural possessive. – Kinky Friedman<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Some grammar problems occur because people use regionalisms when speaking, which may pose problems for people in the audience not familiar with the terms being used. Regionalisms<\/strong> are customary words or phrases used in different geographic regions. For example, growing up in Texas I used \u201cy\u2019all,\u201d while my students in Pennsylvania might use \u201cyouins\u201d or \u201cyins\u201d to mean a group of people. In the South, many people use the phrase \u201cCoke\u201d to mean any soft drink (probably because Coco-Cola is headquartered in Atlanta), while in the Northeast a \u201cCoke\u201d might be called a \u201ctonic\u201d and in other regions it might be called a \u201cpop\u201d or \u201csoda pop.\u201d You must be careful when using regional terms because your audience may not interpret your message correctly if they are not familiar with the regionalism you\u2019re using. Try to find terms that are broader in their use, perhaps using \u201cyou all\u201d or \u201csoft drink\u201d instead of the regional terms you may be used to using in everyday conversations.<\/p>\n

\n
\"US<\/a><\/p>\n

“Federal Standard Regions”<\/a> by Belg4mit. Public domain.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Another grammar issue often linked to region is the use of colloquialisms. Colloquialisms<\/strong> are words or phrases used in informal speech but not typically used in formal speech. Using the word \u201ccrick\u201d instead of \u201ccreek\u201d is one example of a colloquialism, and in some areas \u201cI\u2019m getting ready to cook dinner\u201d would be said, \u201cI\u2019m fixin\u2019 to make dinner.\u201d Colloquialisms can also be phrases that stem from particular regions. In some regions nice clothes are often referred to as your \u201cSunday best,\u201d and in some areas, when people are preparing to vacuum, they note that they are getting ready to \u201cred up the place\u201d (make it ready for visitors).<\/p>\n

Like regionalisms, an audience understanding your use of colloquialisms depends on their familiarity with the language tendencies of a certain geographic area, so steering clear of their use can help you make sure that your message is understood by your audience. Another problem that regionalisms and colloquialisms have in common is that some audience members may consider their use a sign of lesser intellect because they are not considered proper grammar, so you also risk leaving a bad impression of yourself with audience members if you make these language choices for a formal presentation.<\/p>\n

I personally think we developed language because of our deep need to complain. – Lily Tomlin<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Other Language Choices to Consider<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Cliche\u0301s are phrases or expressions that, because of overuse, have lost their rhetorical power. Examples include sayings such as \u201cThe early bird gets the worm\u201d or \u201cMaking a mountain out of a molehill.\u201d Phrases such as these were once powerful ways of communicating an idea, but because of overuse these phrases just don\u2019t have the impact that they once had. Using cliche\u0301s in your speeches runs the risk of having two negative attributions being placed on you by audience members. First, audience members may feel that your use of a cliche\u0301 communicates that you didn\u2019t take the speech seriously and\/or were lazy in constructing it. Second, your audience members may perceive you as someone who is not terribly creative. Cliche\u0301s area easy ways to communicate your message, but you might pay for that ease with negative feelings about you as a speaker from your audience. Try to avoid using cliche\u0301s so that audiences are more likely to perceive you positively as a speaker.<\/p>\n

Another consideration for speakers is whether or not to use language central to the popular culture<\/strong> of a time period. Whether we\u2019re talking about \u201cgroovy, man\u201d from the 1970s or \u201clike totally awesome\u201d from the 1980s, or \u201cword to your mutha\u201d from the 1990s, the language central to the popular culture of any time period is generally something to be avoided in formal public speaking. Like slang or profanity, language stemming from popular culture can be limited in its appeal. Some audiences may not understand it, some audiences may negatively evaluate you for using language that is too informal, and other audiences will have negative preconceived notions about \u201cthe kind of people\u201d that use such language (e.g., \u201chippies\u201d in the 1970s), and they will most likely transfer those negative evaluations onto you.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t

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Candela Citations<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t
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CC licensed content, Shared previously<\/div>