Last week, I devoted my blog to how to structure an argument, frame your values, and gain consensus and buy-in. Equally important is knowing when and how to use these two types of language. Denotation is the literal meaning of the word. It’s what the entry in the Oxford English Dictionary states. Connotation refers to the idea or feeling a word carries within a cultural context. Denotation is finite; a word means what a word means. Connotation can be negative or positive. For example, the word “frugal” means economical with money, but it has a strongly positive connotation. When you describe someone as frugal, the underlying meaning is that they are wise and savvy with their money. It’s a good thing, a positive attribute. In contrast, although the word “cheap” denotes economical, the feeling associated with “cheap” is that someone is miserly or tries to save money in negative ways….

Whether it’s in a business meeting, a classroom discussion, or a political debate, the ability to articulate your thoughts and persuade others is invaluable. However, many people struggle with this task and often feel frustrated or defeated in such situations. Consider the following scenario: You’re at a family dinner and the conversation turns to politics. Your uncle begins passionately arguing his point of view, and you find yourself disagreeing with him. You want to express your own beliefs, but you’re unsure how to do so without coming across as confrontational or aggressive. Sound familiar? The ability to confidently articulate your thoughts, stay focused on the issue at hand, and effectively counter opposing views is a critical life skill, so let’s talk about how you can do just that….