Evasive and Emotive Language
Every word we use has an underlying meaning. Depending on the message we want to send we may choose a word that is more fitting to the situation. For example if I were to eat a an orange I would describe it as juicy but on the other hand if I were to be enjoying a cake I would use the word moist. Even thought the two words mean the same thing they do emphasize two different aspects. When choosing what words to use it is always important to keep in mind what the audience will derive from it.
I work in food service and it is always expected of us to communicate effectively and efficiently. The goal is to get our point across to the customer without losing any time. The best way to go about this is with our word choice making sure that the customer understands. When a customers buys a loaf of bread I always ask if they want it sliced. If I were to instead ask if they wanted it cut it would confuse the customer and they would assume that I am doing it with a knife as opposed to using a machine. Another fitting example would have to be our refreshment. A customer may ask where they get refills for their drink and I would reply by saying that it is self served. This is much more effective and polite way of telling the customers to get the drinks themselves.
Think back to a conversation that you had with a friend and now compare it to one that you had with your professor. The context of the two conversations most likely held a different set of words. When talking to someone you are familiar with you tend to use more slang and be more informal. However if you were to be speaking to someone unfamiliar you may change to a more formal vocabulary and avoid any slang or unconventional words. Having the ability to choose the right words can make you a more effective communicator.
Written by: Kevian Ngai
Gamble, T. & Gamble, M. (2013). Communication Works (11th ed.) New York: McGraw Hill.
I work in food service and it is always expected of us to communicate effectively and efficiently. The goal is to get our point across to the customer without losing any time. The best way to go about this is with our word choice making sure that the customer understands. When a customers buys a loaf of bread I always ask if they want it sliced. If I were to instead ask if they wanted it cut it would confuse the customer and they would assume that I am doing it with a knife as opposed to using a machine. Another fitting example would have to be our refreshment. A customer may ask where they get refills for their drink and I would reply by saying that it is self served. This is much more effective and polite way of telling the customers to get the drinks themselves.
Think back to a conversation that you had with a friend and now compare it to one that you had with your professor. The context of the two conversations most likely held a different set of words. When talking to someone you are familiar with you tend to use more slang and be more informal. However if you were to be speaking to someone unfamiliar you may change to a more formal vocabulary and avoid any slang or unconventional words. Having the ability to choose the right words can make you a more effective communicator.
Written by: Kevian Ngai
Gamble, T. & Gamble, M. (2013). Communication Works (11th ed.) New York: McGraw Hill.