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The Power of Language

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The Power of Language

Bob Jones 11-19-96 period 3 Mrs. Fox

Of all possible human qualities, the one that wields the most power is the ability to use, understand and communicate effectively through language. A proficient use of language allows us to clearly communicate an exact idea from one person to another person or group of people. This precise science of being able to convey exactly what you want equates to the acquisition of power. An important link between language and power is persuasion. The power of persuasion is so strong it allows certain individuals to influence, and therefore, control thousands, even millions, of people and bind them together in search of one common cause. This tactic …show more content…

It was the power of his language that made the trip possible. It was also Kennedy who coined the phrase, "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." This became the battle cry for the capitalist, American way of life. On January 26 and 27, 1830, the United States Senate heard one of the greatest speeches ever delivered before it. Daniel Webster, senator from
Massachusetts, made the speech in answer to Senator Robert Hayne of South
Carolina. The issue was the nullification controversy. Hayne, a confederate of
John C. Calhoun, has said that the federal government was a mere confederation of states and that the states could refuse to obey any laws passed by Congress.
Webster refuted Hayne's notion with the memorable words, "Liberty and Union, now and forever, one and inseparable!" It placed Webster in the front rank of
American orators and won him enduring statesmanship. There are other ways, besides public speaking that an effective use of language can be used to gain power. Millions of people encounter written language every day. Major novelists, such as John Grisham, have written several best sellers that are read and enjoyed by many people. Various

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