Direct and Indirect Speech, Essay Example

Introduction

Deborah Tannen in her article “ When you shouldn’t tell it like is”, compiled on 1^st March 1987. (Tannen), stated the need for discretion in certain conversations.  There are times when information to be conveyed should not always be delivered outright.  For example the sudden death of a person and how this might be conveyed to the family member.  The consideration of shock to the potential receiver of the news and the instant damage this may invoke.  As such a softer approach is required that delivers such news gradually rather than a direct hit.

Tannen explains this in greater detail outlining many reasons where direct speech may be inappropriate under certain circumstances.

Tanners Concepts

Tanner suggests a number of different approaches in the consideration of delivering indirect speech.  The first of these relates to  keeping your verbal distance.  In this regard it considers two aspects of delivering speech i.e. getting involved or being detached.  In the delivery of bad news like that of a death you need to remain detached but equally empathetic to the family member who is receiving the news.  Given human behavioural patterns this can prove difficult as there is a natural leaning towards becoming involved.  The concept of being detached allows you to become more supportive and focused upon the delivery of bad news and delivering this in a gentle manner so as the recipient has time to adjust and grasp the full extent of the message to be delivered. .

Tanner also considers the concepts of hypocrisy and dishonesty.  The concept of dishonesty being not meaning what you are saying, whereas hypocrisy being not saying what is meant.  These two aspects frequently surface in conversations.

Tanner states that in the art of communication  and the telling of truths it can on occasions be difficult on deciding which truths to tell.  This to avoid being criticised or condemned in the delivery of the message. Equally what you consider may be obvious ( in your opinion), indeed may not be perfectly obvious to another ( in their opinion).  Tanner stresses the need for clarity in speech as an indirect conversation often lacks distinctiveness and purpose of meaning.

Personal Opinion

There is certainly a need to be mindful in the use of direct and indirect speech. Parents have been lying and using this tactic to the children for a long time.  For example a girl complains to her mother that a friend says she is fat.  The mother responds by saying that no you are not fat, in order to comfort her, essentially a lie but the parent is being mindful of what a harsh comment might have on the psychological wellbeing of her daughter.  In most instances it is better to tell the truth but this depends on circumstances and there will be occasions where an indirect or softer approach may be required and this may involve you in a lie or deception.  The important point is to be aware of the consequences of your own action and have a responsible plan in the event of being found out.  The mother might say that she did not want to unduly alarm her daughter and had secretly addressed a change in the balance of her diet in order that the issue would be resolved without making her worried and upset.  The emphasis being changed from a lie to that of a concern attached with remedial action.

Conclusion

The need for subtlety in speech and delivery thereof is important in the art of communication and the need of consideration in the prevention of doing harm or hurt to other people. It should be used in discretion and delivered wisely.

Works Cited

Tannen, Deborah. “When you shouldn’t tell it like it is.” Washington Post 1 3 1987: 1. Newspaper.