LANGUAGE

Language

SignpostingFormalityUseful expressions

LANGUAGEContents

Signposting1

Formality2

Useful expressions3

LANGUAGESignposting

“The person who uses a lot of big words is not trying to inform you; he’s trying to impress you.”

O. Miller “Managers have to know language,

to understand what words are and what they mean.”

Peter Drucker

LANGUAGESignposting

Which of the following statements do you agree with? (Yes/No/Maybe)1. When you have a large vocabulary, you

should use it.2. Knowing and using the jargon shows you are

competent.3. Simple words are best.4. Long, elaborate sentences are a sign of a

good speaker.

LANGUAGELanguage – the don’t

Avoid a jargon

Avoid complex phrases

Avoid being too formal

Avoid long statements

LANGUAGELanguage – the do

Use everyday language

Use concrete words

Use rhetorical questions

Use dramatic questions

Use dramatic structures

LANGUAGEDramatic structures

Examples1. The price was really surprising -> What was

really surprising was the price./ What surprising was the price.

2. The flower is beautiful. -> What a beautiful flower!

3. The Old Man and the Sea is my favorite book. -> This is my favorite book, The Old Man and the Sea.

LANGUAGESignposting

Signpost

Summarize

Use check-up questions

LANGUAGESignposting

Make it interesting

Stories/ anecdotes

Explain by analogy

Involve them

• Ask questions

• Pause until reply

LANGUAGE

See you next time!