COMS 101 Chapter Notes - Chapter 12: Comfort Object
10 Jan 2017
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Using Language
● Meaning of words
○ Denotative meaning-the literal or dictionary meaning of a word or phrase
■ Describes the object, person, place, idea or event to which the word refers
■ Its dictionary definition
○ Connotative meaning-the meaning suggested by the associations or emotions triggered by a word or
phrase
■ Variable, figurative, subjective
■ Give words their intensity and emotional power to arouse listeners feelings of anger, pity,
love, fear, friendship, guilt
● Using language accurately
○ Thesaurus-a book of synonyms
● Using language clearly
○ Use familiar words
○ Choose concrete words-words that refer to tangible objects: people, places, and things
■ Abstract words-words that refer to ideas or concepts→ can be misinterpreted
○ Eliminate clutter-discourse that takes many more words than necessary to express an idea
● Using language vividly
○ Imagery-the use of vivid language to create mental images of objects, actions, or ideas
■ Concrete words
■ Simile-an explicit comparison, introduced with the word “like” or “as,” between things that
are essentially different yet have something in common
● EX: Walking into my gma’s home when I was a child was like being wrapped in a
giant security blanket.
■ Metaphor-an implicit comparison, not introduced with the world “like” or “as” between two
things that are essentially different yet have something in common
● EX: America’s cities are the windows through which the world looks at American
society.
■ Avoid using cliches-a trite or overused expression
○ Rhythm-the pattern of sound in a speech created by the choice and arrangement of words
■ Parallelism-the similar arrangement of a pair or series of related words, phrases, or sentences
● EX: I speak as a Republican. I speak as a woman. I speak as an American.
■ Repetition-reiteration of the same word or set of words at the beginning or end of successive
clauses or sentences
● EX: We do not give up. We do not quit.
■ Alliteration-repetition of the initial consonant sound of close or adjoining words
● EX: Nothing great is accomplished without cooperation, compromise, and common
cause.
■ Antithesis-the juxtaposition of contrasting ideas, usually in parallel structure
● EX: Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country
● Using language appropriately
○ Appropriateness to the occasion: “You guys” vs. “distinguished guests”
○ Appropriateness to the audience: do not use medical terms if your audience are not doctors
○ Appropriateness to the topic: do not use alliteration and metaphor when explaining how to change a
bike tire
○ Appropriateness to the speaker: one’s developed style as a public speaker, not everyday style
find more resources at oneclass.com
find more resources at oneclass.com
Document Summary
Denotative meaning-the literal or dictionary meaning of a word or phrase. Describes the object, person, place, idea or event to which the word refers. Connotative meaning-the meaning suggested by the associations or emotions triggered by a word or phrase. Give words their intensity and emotional power to arouse listeners feelings of anger, pity, love, fear, friendship, guilt. Choose concrete words-words that refer to tangible objects: people, places, and things. Abstract words-words that refer to ideas or concepts can be misinterpreted. Eliminate clutter-discourse that takes many more words than necessary to express an idea. Imagery-the use of vivid language to create mental images of objects, actions, or ideas. Simile-an explicit comparison, introduced with the word like or as, between things that are essentially different yet have something in common. Ex: walking into my gma"s home when i was a child was like being wrapped in a giant security blanket.
