UNIT 1: THE COMMUNICATION ESSENTIALS
LESSON 2: PRACTICAL USES OF LANGUAGE
Language is expressive.
We use verbal language to express our observations, thoughts, and feelings about people
or things (McKay, Davis, & Fanning, 1995, pp. 34-36). We persuade, inform, and entertain
others or form relationships through our verbal expressions.
1. Expressing observations. Our observations are based on sensory information or
experiences (what we read, heard, and saw), report of memories. We reduce
defensiveness when we suggest or recount rather than assess or criticize when we
express observations. Example of expressing an observation: “Beth encouraged me to
practice singing at dawn.”
2. Expressing thoughts. We make assumptions based on what we have experienced
when we expressed our thoughts – which are actually connected to our beliefs (what
we think is false or true), attitudes (what we like or dislike), and values (what we
think is good or bad or right or wrong). Thoughts may refer to a conclusion about or
judgment of observations and experiences. Example of expressing a thought:
“Overprotective parents are not helping their children to think independently.”
3. Expressing feelings. There are customs or social standards about when, how, to
whom, and where we express our emotions. People who have developed an emotional
language communicate their emotions aloud. Hargie (2011, p. 166) suggests that to
increase our emotional vocabulary, we have to learn how to be more specific in
expressing our emotions so that they are clear to those who decode our message. A
large reservoir of emotional vocabulary helps us express the intensity of the emotion
we are feeling. for example, the word “happy” is mild when compared to “ecstatic”,
which is intense (Hargie, 2011, p. 166). Example of expressing a feeling: “I feel that
my best friend takes me for granted.”
4. Expressing needs. Expressing our needs suggests that we want to get things done. It
is, therefore, important for us to communicate those needs to others to avoid feeling
frustrated or rejected. Expressing needs may be about stating wants or requesting help
or support. Example of expressing a need: “I’m trying to focus on my assignment.
Could you please tell them to keep quiet?”
Summary of the Four Types of Verbal Expressions
Type Description Example
1. Observation Report of memories or “Beth encouraged me to practice
sensory experiences singing at dawn.”
2. Thought Conclusions about or “Overprotective parents are not
judgment of observations and helping their children to think
experiences independently.”
3. Feeling Communicating emotions “I feel that my best friend takes me
for granted.”
4. Need Stating wants of requesting “I’m trying to focus on my
help or support assignment. Could you please tell
them to keep quiet?”
LESSON 2: PRACTICAL USES OF LANGUAGE
Language is expressive.
We use verbal language to express our observations, thoughts, and feelings about people
or things (McKay, Davis, & Fanning, 1995, pp. 34-36). We persuade, inform, and entertain
others or form relationships through our verbal expressions.
1. Expressing observations. Our observations are based on sensory information or
experiences (what we read, heard, and saw), report of memories. We reduce
defensiveness when we suggest or recount rather than assess or criticize when we
express observations. Example of expressing an observation: “Beth encouraged me to
practice singing at dawn.”
2. Expressing thoughts. We make assumptions based on what we have experienced
when we expressed our thoughts – which are actually connected to our beliefs (what
we think is false or true), attitudes (what we like or dislike), and values (what we
think is good or bad or right or wrong). Thoughts may refer to a conclusion about or
judgment of observations and experiences. Example of expressing a thought:
“Overprotective parents are not helping their children to think independently.”
3. Expressing feelings. There are customs or social standards about when, how, to
whom, and where we express our emotions. People who have developed an emotional
language communicate their emotions aloud. Hargie (2011, p. 166) suggests that to
increase our emotional vocabulary, we have to learn how to be more specific in
expressing our emotions so that they are clear to those who decode our message. A
large reservoir of emotional vocabulary helps us express the intensity of the emotion
we are feeling. for example, the word “happy” is mild when compared to “ecstatic”,
which is intense (Hargie, 2011, p. 166). Example of expressing a feeling: “I feel that
my best friend takes me for granted.”
4. Expressing needs. Expressing our needs suggests that we want to get things done. It
is, therefore, important for us to communicate those needs to others to avoid feeling
frustrated or rejected. Expressing needs may be about stating wants or requesting help
or support. Example of expressing a need: “I’m trying to focus on my assignment.
Could you please tell them to keep quiet?”
Summary of the Four Types of Verbal Expressions
Type Description Example
1. Observation Report of memories or “Beth encouraged me to practice
sensory experiences singing at dawn.”
2. Thought Conclusions about or “Overprotective parents are not
judgment of observations and helping their children to think
experiences independently.”
3. Feeling Communicating emotions “I feel that my best friend takes me
for granted.”
4. Need Stating wants of requesting “I’m trying to focus on my
help or support assignment. Could you please tell
them to keep quiet?”
