Michelle Obama
I think it is very obvious that the Obamas know very well how to use language to their advantage—and I mean that in a positive way. Language is a powerful tool. It is a tool that can be used to hurt or heal, build or tear down. I think we all adapt our words to our audience. If we don’t keep our audience in mind we may not be listened to with as much credibility as we could. I don’t think Michelle Obama or anyone else should have to speak a certain way to earn respect. The fact is, however, people are often judged more by how they say something than by what they say. I think this is especially true with first impressions.
One other point I wanted to make about the video clip is, I am glad that when President Obama told the man in the shop, “Naw, we straight”, that it was seen as a “tip of the hat”. I think it could easily have been seen as an insult, although it was not meant that way. Again, choice of language depended on the audience. It is something almost all of us do, some just much better than others.
Comments (2)
I agree with you 100%. Great speakers know how to "work" the language to their benefit. I think one aspect of making yourself a part of a group is to talk their talk. I find myself doing that with my sons and their friends. Of course, they think I am crazy but I can speak teenager fairly well.
Posted by Carol Sherrill | June 7, 2010 11:56 AM
Posted on June 7, 2010 11:56
I have been guilty of changing my language to fit the situation in my professional career. For example, I teach at an employability lab in a very rural community. Many of my students are high school drop-outs and struggle with computer and literacy skills. If I approach them in a very formal voice and overwhelm them with tier three vocabulary, they won't be returning and I will have failed at my responsibilities. Due to this fact, I often allow my Southern accent to become a bit more pronounced, I take my vocabulary down a notch, and I pepper in a few euphemisms. This seems to put them at ease and lets them know I am approachable without me sounding as if I am talking down to them. I do the same thing at parent conferences if I feel the parents are uncomfortable in the school environment. I might be wrong for doing this, but I think it helps.
Posted by Sally Elliott | June 7, 2010 9:20 PM
Posted on June 7, 2010 21:20