Chapter 7

Section 3: Language and Dress

Informal Language

• It is the casual language that you use with your friends.

• Often includes:–Slang–Other words or phrases that work well

in interpersonal communication when people are comfortable with each other.

Informal Language

• May hear it in the halls, cafeteria, parties, mall, etc…

• Informal Language should only be used in informal settings.

Standard Language

• The language most commonly accepted and expected by most social groups, as well as professionals.

• Standard Language Includes:–Having a good vocabulary–Using proper sentence structure–Exhibiting sound grammar skills

Standard Language

• Is accepted just about anywhere:–On a job interview–Talking to teachers and principals–Talking to parents

Technical Language

• The language used in specific professional fields.

• “Job Speak” that includes jargon or technical terms.

• Usually not understood by outsiders or the general public.

Appropriate Dress

• Basic guidelines:–Adapt to the Occasion: be at least as

dressed up as those around you, if not more.–Respect the Expectation of Your

Employer: If you deal with customers you may be expected to be more dressed up than someone who does not.

Appropriate Dress

• Maintain Professionalism in Your Choice of Clothing: Wear clothes that do not distract from your abilities or the task/job you need to perform. (ex: jewelry, slogans, etc…)

• Be Neat and Well Groomed: This emphasizes your attention to detail.

On Your Own Paper

• What type of language and dress would be appropriate for each of the following? –A grunge rock concert–Meeting a friends parents for the first

time–A basketball game–An awards banquet

Chapter 7

Section 4: Respecting Differences

Appreciating Age, Gender, and Ethnicity

• Avoid Stereotypes• Old common stereotypes in America:–Women baked cookies and took care of

the house–Older men sat in the corner and played

checkers–Older women sat in rocking chairs and

knitted

Appreciating Age, Gender, and Ethnicity

• Age: Sometimes older Americans retire from one career and begin another.

• Gender: Men and women often have interchangeable roles, with professional careers and home duties being divided.

• Ethnicity: People of different nationalities or origins may bring insight and a different perspective.

Promoting Diversity

• Be Open-Minded: this is the first step to understanding people and issues.

• Open minded people are searchers.• Research shows that the best long range

planning occurs when the group is mixed and diverse.

Promoting Diversity

• Be Tolerant: This is your capacity to recognize the rights, practices, or opinions of others even if you do not agree.

• Before you speak too quickly on something, ask yourself:– “Do I have any personal barriers that would get in

the way of this relationship?”– “Does this company/organization promote

diversity?”– “What are our differences and commonalities?”

Promoting Diversity

• Be Empathetic: Put yourself in someone else’s shoes.• Ask yourself:– “How will my words and actions affect this

person?”– “Could this remark possibly hurts someone’s

feelings?”– How can I show this person that even though I

don’t agree with the position, I can see where they are coming from?”