Explain how definitions can be persuasive. Provide an example from the text and explain how it might be used persuasively.

What will be an ideal response?


- Connotations can be changed while leaving denotations the same (as in the term "liberal").
- Connotations can remain positive, or negative, while denotations may change (as in "special interests").
- Speakers may accomplish this by shifting terms, as in "affirmative action" vs. "reverse discrimination."
- Text examples include the terms "reverse discrimination," and "death panels." One instance calls deer "rats with hooves" and tuition hikes that could be referred to as either "extortion" or "fair pricing." A final example is health care referenced as either "socialized medicine" or "cost containment."

Communication & Mass Media

You might also like to view...

People in the United States generally believe that ______ is good, the new is better than the old.

Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s).

Communication & Mass Media

Public speaking is oral communication in a one-to-many, dialogical format

Indicate whether the statement is true or false

Communication & Mass Media

When Cameron assumes that Annie will be a more nurturing parent than he, he is stereotyping her on the basis of her

a. occupation. b. race. c. gender role. d. personality

Communication & Mass Media

Which of the following steps is NOT important in a disciplinary interview?

A. Carefully explaining the situation B. Seeking common agreement C. Requiring a panel to settle the dispute D. Communicating only about the issue at hand and not other behaviors E. Maintaining confidentiality

Communication & Mass Media