Exercises — COM 1010 6: Verbal Communication

1. Language Analysis — Connotation in Action

1. Pick any three words that describe a person (e.g., assertive, aggressive, confident). For each, write the denotative meaning and at least one positive and one negative connotation.
2. Choose a topic you care about (e.g., immigration, social media, education). Write the same idea twice: once using concrete, specific language and once using vague, abstract language. Compare the effect.
3. Write an 'I' language version and a 'you' language version of the same complaint. Notice how each affects the emotional tone.
4. Identify one jargon term from your field of study or hobby. Write a plain-English explanation of it.