To: Dr. Steve Flaherty
From: Nathan Goodrich
Date: 5/22/2017
Subject: Reading Response for “The Power of Talk”
Introductory Paragraph
A speaker’s linguistic style may carry as much influence over the audience as the content of the message. According to the author, linguistic style refers to a person’s characteristic speaking pattern, including features such as directness, pacing word choice, and the use of various speaking elements such as jokes or questions. A person’s characteristic speaking style is strongly influenced by the environment or cultural norms to which the speaker has been exposed. Understanding the characteristics of linguistic style allows the speaker to control various aspects contributing to perception. When the speaker…show more content… According to the author, one must rely on the use of deeply entrenched social cues, mannerisms and speech patterns in order to influence how the message will be perceived by the audience. It is not just what you say; it is how you say it.
Point Two: “Linguistic style refers to a person’s characteristic speaking pattern. It includes such features as directness or indirectness, pacing and pausing, word choice, and the use of such elements as jokes, figures of speech, stories, questions, and apologies” (Tannen, 44). According to the author, linguistic style affects the way we communicate with others in how they perceive us and in how we perceive them. Cultural factors such a person’s ethnic background and where he or she was raised play a significant role in the development of one’s own linguistic style.
Point Three: The author discusses several specific elements of linguistic style that can influence perception. A few of those elements are briefly discussed…show more content… A good presentation should have a conversational tone, even if it is a one sided conversation. If a speaker were attempting to explain the love of his or her child to an audience, it would be obvious that some emotional component would be required. The audience wants to be entertained and engaged as well as being informed. Putting together an informative PowerPoint and memorizing the content line by line is not effective presenting. The speaker must establish some trust or connection with the audience, which can be accomplished by understanding and manipulating his or her linguistic
