How to Use Language in Your Speech

Language is once again in the news. Is it only a few weeks since we reported on the Royal Navy changing their own words? This time around it's the University of Greenwich that's in the headlines for its attempt at censoring words and telling students how to use language. That's because the university has plans to decrease the usage of terms such as "husband" and "wife". So, they've issued an inclusive language guide, no kidding, to all their students. And the aim? Apparently they want to promote inclusive language.

The guide presents a series of phrases that are now deemed to be beyond the pale. So far indeed that they even suggest an apology.

It is important to recognise that what you have said could be extremely hurtful and you need to ­apologise for this.

It's because so many words and phrases are not inclusive enough of all relationships. Well, there we go.

If we have one concern it is that the specificity of the English language is to be swapped for the mundane and banal abstract. And if we have a second concern, it is that a college of higher education advocates such a course. It's bizarre.

Look Out for the Language Commissars

Is it all about caring? Is it Marxist claptrap? Who knows, but the move might also be a function of the University's relationship with foreign students. Since the University of Greenwich has thousands of foreign students paying a small fortune to study in London. That's feasible.

But when you want to know how to use language in your speech, then it's very simple. Because you want to be understood. So, if you are tempted to use flights of rhetorical fancy and fantastic words, then please consider your audience. Just think about your audience and what they can tolerate.

When you need some quick help for your next speech you'll find more than 100 top tips for public speakers, podcasts and videos here at Time to Market. And when you are ready to really boost your own skills, then you'll find that an online course is just the thing.