Language and Influence - Let's Make a Difference

I'm currently working on my academic article discussing "influence". Definitely, it will not discuss power or authority, but the article will bring forth the hidden powers of language as we use it everyday in our communication with people around us.

Have you heard of influence tactics and influence strategies? Now, how much of this knowledge have you utilized in your life as a student, employee, or participant in any kind of discussion, competitions, challenge, etc?

In bringing the topic of "influence" closer to English as a Second Language (ESL), I have decided to delineate the effects of powerful and powerless language. I shall link this interest to "politeness theory".

To illustrate powerless language which indirectly carries the effects of "influence", we can look at a common habit to use hedges like "I wonder if you could...) and "Could I maybe ask you ..." in our daily conversation and interaction.

Another example is our tendency to use words or phrases which minimize imposition like "I need just a little bit of your time" in making requests or asking for some consideration.

Within the context of "influence", powerless language manifests politeness tactic which represents rituals of approach, social distance, and respect. In layman's term, you may sound humble and down-to-earth, yet you bring more attention to yourself. Hence, you will have more opportunity to influence the hearer of your assertion and reasoning.

Interesting? Guess I should get to completing my paper or it will be overdue anytime. In the meantime, why don't you reflect oon your own experience in a conversation dyad, group discussion, meeting, etc., and share with this blogging community your personal encounter with "influence".

Think - what have you done or said that make others believe in what you said, follow what you do, and shift their stance ? How did you do it? What did you do? What did you say? Or, you may have an idol - a charismatic leader, an orator, an exemplary personality in speech and oratory. Look back and see how these individuals make an impact via their speech and eloquence.

By the way, don't worry about linking it to any of the speech or communication theories...afterall, you're not writing an academic paper. Share, and you'll make a difference:)

Man and Technology

Living in the era of technological success and superiority, this title is apt and worth some deliberation.

To kick-start, technology is man's brainchild. Man creates this intelligence to provide convenience as well as efficiency at work and everyday life. As a result, productivity increases, customers and consumers can also smile with contentment. Machines and devices have made difficult and arduous tasks become simple and manageable. This way, life is less stressful and we can have ample time to spend with family and friends.

Technology supersedes many of man's abilities, skills and talent. For example, robotic technology has contributed to medical breakthroughs requiring precision, as well as mass production of goods to meet the market demand. Computer technology has dwindled the size of mother earth to a global village via communication across countries and continents. Definitely, best of all is computer animation which has enhanced the quality of entertainment nowadays and unshackled the paradigms of producers and movie makers.

This blogosphere – http://speakup-avenue.blogspot.com. is a living example of another benefit of technology to education for mankind. The present generation of learners are fortunate to enjoy state-of-the-art digital library at minimum cost, with 24-hour connection to almost anybody with access to the internet. Without multiple net services and facilities, education will be limited within the four brick walls of the classrooms.

What else can man possibly ask for, given all these luxurious technological inventions and innovations?

Perhaps...a little bit more consideration, concern and discretion in applying and using technology in our lives. We get exasperated listening to news of abuse and misconduct, as well as lack sensitivity, with regard to man and technology.

Man can be proud of science, but he should resist from exploiting this knowledge and expertise to produce more lethal weapons and causing any scale of destruction. Similarly, we take pride in gadgets and devices that ensure security and surveillance, but individual privacy must be respected in every way.

This list of considerations, deliberations, and points to ponder, with regard to man and technology, is never exhaustive.You may want to add your own observation and opinion on this topic.

Last but not least, welcome to the reality check on technology - man's best friend which can retaliate and become the worst enemy.

"Debate" vs "Argue"

"Agree to disagree:)"

With aspiring undergraduates waiting to test their English speaking skills in an English as a Second Language (ESL) climate, what can be enacted and created to assist them in grooming themselves for career demands? What can indeed be the platform to groom undergraduates to use English in a way closest to real-life context, meeting the challenge of interview quality, as well as employability? On this note, please be rest-assured that almost everybody in the country can speak English, by now, and to be a cutting-edge graduate, you should be able to communicate with confidence, persuasion, and impressive language.

Recently, the Vice Chancellor of Universiti Putra Malaysia(UPM) reported that “Proficiency in the English language is the second most important characteristic sought after by potential employers,” (the Star online, May 13, 2008) in a research which was conducted by UPM’s Alumni Centre involving more than 4000 recently graduated students. In fact, English competency forms an integral element in the success of the country’s National Higher Education Action Plan. So, mastering English is fundamental, and mastery entails the ability to use English in group discussions, group decision making, academic presentations, competetions, and ultimately - debate.

Yuppp:) We argue much with friends and foes, we quarrel and win the arguments with our siblings, we put together our so-called 'communicative competence' and emotional artilleries to win these challenges embedded with sarcasm, ad-hominems, and god knows what...Come to think of this oftentimes-gratifying experience, how much evidence and facts do we have to summon to win the 'battle of wits-and-whatsoever'? At the end of the day, you may discover that to argue is in fact to merely share ignorance... period!

Debate, on the other hand, is entirely different from a mere argument. To debate is to share your intelligence, deliberating on matters and issues at hand, supporting claims with facts, details and evidence beyond reasonable doubt. The fact that you'll be designated to opposing camps can be a blessing in disguise. Being well-read, you shall anticipate the opponents' points and prepare your rebuttals to bring down their claims. And what about you? Muster enough courage, collate all facts and figures pertinent to the motion and your stance, and convince the speaker that your proposal is superior. Hmmm...because it's a battle of intelligence, where brainpower and intellect collide, debates offer a much professional and ethical speaking avenue to evaluate matters.

Can everybody argue? Perhaps. Can any Tom, Dick, and Harry or Salleh, Ah Meng, and Kumari, debate? Yuppp:) Why not? Try it, for the sake of future employability, and pure exchange of insights and observation, and you shall feel the difference. Debate, and "make a difference."

So... if you are currently a debater, have debated, will be debating, etc., please drop us one line or two to share your thoughts and experience. Inspire others to be like you, doing what you do best, enjoy most - debates.

The avenue for debating at UNITEN is definitely by joining the English Debate Society or EDSoc. (from 17th August 2006). C U there.

Cheers, Zue

A Special Number to Remember 06.07.08

06.07.08

Let's observe a very interesting phenomenon happening in our lives today - as represented by this smart combination of a special day in a special month in a special year. Weddings? Birthdays? College registration? Take a look at it again, and figure out if you actually have a special event happening today in history. Better still, do you have a special number/ combination of numbers, in your lives? You are invited to share it with us here.

As for me:

My first car - 97.65

My wedding anniversary - 05.10

My first baby - 09.08

As for today 06.07.08 :)

Farah: We went around Putrjaya and it's so much fun.

Nadia: We saw pelicans,flamingos, and engrets at the Wetland...life is definitely beautiful and wonderful.

Emir: I finally finished my homework and I got "cingget pocen."

Dad: My headache never seem to disappear. But this entry is my idea...

Zue: I dedicate my professional life as a lecturer cum academic blogger. Also, today, I shall complete my academic article entitled "Connecting with ESL Learners in the Blogosphere." I sincerely hope more of my students and friends will speak their minds in this blog.

Now, I hand it over to all of you to share wonderful moments happening on 06.07.08, and wonderful, magical, unforgettable numbers in your life.

cheers:)