Speaking Ethically

Jonathan knows he hasn’t really prepared for his speech very well. Instead of going to the library, he went to a party over the weekend. Instead of finding supporting evidence, he went to the movies with his best friend.

Two days before he’s going to give his speech, Jonathan decides that he won’t even bother with the library. Instead, he opts to just write out a quick speech and fill it with lots of “flowery” language. He creates a number of interesting similes and metaphors. He makes sure that his speech has a fun rhythm to it and has some great instances of alliteration.

Upon finishing his preparation, Jonathan thinks to himself, Well, the speech may have no content, but no one will really notice.

1. Is it ever ethical to be devoid of content and opt instead for colorful language?
2. Should language ever be a substitute for strong arguments?
3. If you were a friend of Jonathan’s, how would you explain to him that his behavior was unethical?

End-of-Chapter Assessment

1. Which of the following is an accurate statement about oral language?

   1. Oral language has more words than written language.
   2. Oral language has longer sentences than written language.
   3. Oral language has more qualifying statements than written language.
   4. Oral language uses fewer interjections than written language.
   5. Oral language has fewer quantifying terms than written language.

2. Jenny was conversing with Darlene about her pet rabbit. Jenny grew up in the country and remembers raising rabbits for food for her pet snake, whereas Darlene remembers having pet rabbits her whole life. How are the two differing in their understanding of the word “rabbit?”

   1. Jenny and Darlene have different metaphors for the word “rabbit.”
   2. Jenny and Darlene have different assonance for the word “rabbit.”
   3. Jenny and Darlene have different denotative meanings for the word “rabbit.”
   4. Jenny and Darlene have the same perception of the word “rabbit.”
   5. Jenny and Darlene have different connotative meanings for the word “rabbit.”

3. Which of the following is not an example of inclusive language?

   1. person with disability
   2. Italian American
   3. lesbian woman
   4. handicapped person
   5. bartender

4. During a speech on the history of Colorado, Alban said, “The early pioneers came to Colorado by covered wagon, which traveled at a snail’s pace.” This phrase contains which form of language?

   1. simile
   2. metaphor
   3. assonance
   4. inclusive language
   5. immediate juxtaposition

5. Which of the following phrases is an example of the powerless form of language known as a hesitation?

   1. “Well, umm, you know that I, err, wish I could go on the trip with you.”
   2. “Well, I may not be a specialist, but I’ll be glad to help.”
   3. “I’m really not a pianist, but I can play a few songs.”
   4. “I may be completely off track, but here goes nothing.”
   5. “I think that is a great idea, don’t you think so?”

Answer Key

1. d
2. e
3. d
4. b
5. a