Tamika feels her audience is unaware of the health risks associated with living near high-voltage power lines. She wants to make her message regarding this danger relevant to her listeners. In this speaking situation, Tamika should increase her use of __________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Verbal immediacy refers to using language that is engaging, personal, and relevant to the listener. In this situation, Tamika wants to make her message relevant to her audience, so increasing her use of verbal immediacy will help her connect with her listeners and make the health risks associated with living near high-voltage power lines more salient to them. Common words may also be helpful in making the message more easily understandable, but verbal immediacy is the best option in this scenario. Formal language and metaphorical language may be less effective in connecting with the audience and making the message relevant.

Tamika Feels Her Audience Is Unaware of the Health Risks