Language is a very powerful tool. It can change your thinking or persuade you of something. To begin with, look at the images below. You will see how they can be seen in different ways.
Google Presentation – What do you see?
Now look at the same presentation again but with language added.
Google Presentation – Does language change your mind?
You can also misdirect with written words. For example,
- Four out of twenty students submitted their homework late.
Can become – 100% of students submitted their homework.
- Manchester United defeated Liverpool 1-0 to move three places up the table.
Can become – Manchester United lucky to win and still only one win from seven games.
How can you change the following statements to mean something else? Try to make them sound positive.
- The volleyball match is cancelled because of the haze.
- The interactive whiteboard is not working.
- Japan defeated Scotland in the Rugby World Cup. Can you think of an excuse for Scotland?
Images
Media examples