Have you ever played Pictionary<注1>? The point of the game is to draw words so people watching you can guess them. Some words are easy--"house," "bird," and "television," for instance. Even people without artistic talent can draw these in such a way that observers catch on immediately. But other kinds of words are more challenging. Try drawing "numb," "embarrass," or "dehydrated<注2>." The more abstract the word the more difficult it is to represent visually. How would you draw "improvement" or "appropriate"?

　　This is why language has evolved. Human beings need to communicate at a level far above what can be shown by pictures. But for language to work there must be a common understanding of what words mean. In effect, we've all made a pact<注3> that a certain collection of letters and sounds will mean the same thing to everybody. If you say "book," everybody who speaks English will picture something like what you're holding right now. On the other hand, when you don't use words properly, you "break the pact" and communication breaks down. Suppose you say to a friend, "Abby, you're so pedestrian<注4>." You may mean she walks a lot; but Abby is likely to become angry, because you actually called her boring and ordinary.

　　Language Is Important

　　Good speakers respect language and how it works. How well do you use language? Do you say Shaquille O'Neal<注5> plays basketball good, when you mean he plays well? Do you say in the eventuality of when if will do? Do you describe a hurricane as a terrible disaster, as if there were such a thing as a good disaster?

　　If you do these things, you are bound to be less effective as a speaker. And, unfortunately, you are not alone. Much American speech is turningsintosthe linguistic equivalent of junk food<注6>. As a speaker, once you get the right idea, you must decide how best to communicate it to listeners. To do this, you need to be especially conscious of what language can do. Unless you use language accurately and clearly, no one will understand your ideas.

　　Meaning of words

　　Words have two kinds of meanings--denotative and connotative<注7>. Denotative meaning is precise, literal, and objective. It simply describes the object, person, place, idea, or event to which the word refers. One way to think of a word's denotative meaning is as its dictionary definition. Connotative meaning is more variable, figurative, and subjective. Put simply, it is what the word suggests or implies.

　　Using language accurately

　　Using language accurately is as vital to a speaker as using numbers accurately is to an accountant. However, we all commit subtle errors--especially using one word when another will capture our ideas more precisely. Every word has shades of meaning that distinguish it from every other word. As Mark Twain said, "The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and the lightning bug."<注8>If you have serious aspirations as a speaker, you should work out a systematic plan to improve your vocabulary. The purpose of this is to learn how to use the proper word at the proper time.

　　Using language clearly

　　As many people have discovered, much to their dismay, it is possible to use language accurately without using it clearly. A speaker's meaning must be immediately comprehensible; it must be so clear that there is virtually no chance of misunderstanding. You can ensure this by using familiar words, by choosing concrete words over abstract words, and by eliminating verbal clutter<注9>.

　　Using language vividly

　　Just as you can be accurate without being clear, so you can be both accurate and clear without being interesting. If you want to move people with your speeches, use moving language. Dull, dreary words make for dull, dreary speeches. Bring your speeches to life by using vivid, animated language. Although there are several ways to do this, here are two of the most important--imagery (the use of vivid language to create mental images of objects, actions, or ideas) and rhythm<注10> (the pattern of sound in a speech created by the choice and arrangement of words).

　　Summary

　　Of all human creations, language may be the most remarkable. Through language we share experiences, formulate values, exchange ideas, transmit knowledge, and sustain culture. Indeed, language is vital to thinking itself. Contrary to popular belief, language does not simply mirror reality, but helps create our sense of reality by giving meaning to events.

　　Words are the tools of a speaker's craft. They have special uses, just like the tools of any other profession. As a speaker, you should be aware of the meanings of words and know how to use language accurately, clearly, and vividly. Using language accurately is as vital to a speaker as using numbers accurately to an accountant. Never use a word unless you are sure of its meaning. If you are not sure, look up the word in a dictionary. As you prepare your speeches, ask yourself constantly, "What do I really want to say? What do I really mean?" Choose words that are precise and accurate.

　　Using language clearly allows listeners to grasp your meaning immediately. You can assure this by using familiar words that are known to the average person and require no specialized background; by choosing concrete words in preference to more abstract ones; and by eliminating verbal clutter.

　　Using language vividly helps bring your speech to life. One way to make your language more vivid is through imagery, or the creation of word pictures. You can develop imagery by using concrete language, simile, and metaphor.<注11>Another way to make your speeches vivid is by exploiting the rhythm of language. Four devices for creating rhythm are parallelism, repetition, alliteration, and antithesis.<注12> Parallelism is the similar arrangement of a pair or series of related words, phrases, or sentences. Repetition is the use of the same word or set of words at the beginning or end of successive clauses or sentences. Alliteration is the repetition of the initial consonant sounds of close or adjoining words. Antithesis is the juxtaposition of contrasting ideas, usually in parallel structure.