Communications Lab Worksheet

1. Why is the distinction between denotation and connotation important?

To effectively say what is trying to be said without giving the wrong impression and staying within the proper setting.

2. What are some common words in your vocabulary that may have unintended emotion for your “audience”?

I am guilty of saying something is retarded if it does not make sense which may confuse or offend some people.

3. How can the connotation of words be used to a speaker’s advantage? Are there times when this is unethical? Give three examples of "meanings are in people."

It can be used to make people emotionally charged in a decision making process or in a setting where everyone is stressed and you need to keep them calm.

4. Give three examples of "meanings are in people."

1.) A person’s true intent is inside of them.

2.) People who say things know what they mean by saying them.

3.) People are full of meanings.

5. How can using abstract terms cause problems for a communicator?

It may put a point or view across to the listener that they take the wrong way causing grief for both sides.

6. What makes a term “abstract”?

By saying what you are saying in a manner that sounds right to you such as something that is a good or bad thing but that may be confusing to others and lead them to think differently because they are confused.

7. How do you react to abstract language? Do you clarify or ignore it in conversations?

I can usually catch on quick as to what someone means when they say it in an abstract way. I usually feed off of it and speak back in a manner that they can take as a more concrete reply on my behalf.

8. Is it ever desirable to be indirect? If so, when?

IF it is for the better, I suppose such as trying to keep away from a certain restaurant because you've heard that they are unsanitary but not in a way as to push an agenda towards what "YOU" want.

9. What are some possible consequences, good and bad, for being direct? Will this...