Effective and Interesting Language

This lesson is primarily about how to deliver your speech or presentation. But we also want to remind you that it's important to use interesting, effective language. Stilted, unnatural sentences can seem particularly offensive when they are spoken out loud. For example, if you want to ask your audience for help, say, "I'd sincerely appreciate your cooperation," or "please help me" instead of "I deem it advisable that you should cooperate" – which not only sounds awkward but vaguely threatening.

Effective language is: Concrete and specific, not abstract and vague Concise, not wordy Familiar, not obscure Precise and clear, not ambiguous Constructive, not destructive, and Appropriate to the situation.