Mini-teaching

What you hear may be more than what it means.

​Let's see what people really want to convey.

Multiple Select

What are they doing?

• Greeting a friend

• Meeting a boss

• Commenting on something

Multiple Choice

(Ross finds out Joey and Rachel are dating.) What does Ross saying "I am fine" mean?

• Ross is feeling great.
• Ross is feeling confused.

• Ross is not actually fine.

Multiple Choice

What does Scarlet Witch saying "I am fine" mean?

• She is feeling truly good.

• She is shocked but tries to calm down.

• She is angry about the situation

• She is too tired to say anything.

"I am fine/good" can have various meanings.
1. Response to greetings:
A:How are you?
B: I'm fine, you?
2. Polite decline or avoidance:
A:Would you like some more dessert?

B: I am fine, thank you. Everything was delicious.
3. Hiding emotions (frustration):
A: Why are you so quiet? Is something wrong?

B: I am fine. Just leave me alone for a while.

​Connotations (or Implications) |
Connotations: perceptions or feelings a word conveys, which are distinct from the actual meaning of the words.
Implications: suggesting something without clearly saying it.

Why do we need to learn this?
- Scenario 1:

Leader: Alright, let’s discuss some new strategies for improving our project workflows. We need innovative ideas to streamline our processes.

Coworker (John): I have an idea! What if we implement a new weekly report system? Each department can submit a detailed report on their progress every Friday. It will help us keep track of everything and improve our productivity.

(The room goes silent. Some team members exchange knowing glances.)

You: Interesting. 🤨

Coworker (Sarah): Yes, John, just like the LAST THREE TIMES we tried it.
What do you think about John's idea?

​Connotations (or Implications) |
Connotations: perceptions or feelings a word conveys, which are distinct from the actual meaning of the words.
Implications: suggesting something without clearly saying it.

Why do we need to learn this?
- Scenario 1:

Leader: Alright, let’s discuss some new strategies for improving our project workflows. We need innovative ideas to streamline our processes.

Coworker (John): I have an idea! What if we implement a new weekly report system? Each department can submit a detailed report on their progress every Friday. It will help us keep track of everything and improve our productivity.

(The room goes silent. Some team members exchange knowing glances.)

You: Interesting. 🤨

Coworker (Sarah): Yes, John, just like the LAST THREE TIMES we tried it.
What do you think about John's idea?

It's a great idea.

It's not gonna work.

​Connotations (or Implications) |
Connotations: perceptions or feelings a word conveys, which are distinct from the actual meaning of the words.
Implications: suggesting something without clearly saying it.

Why do we need to learn this?
- Scenario 1:

Leader: Alright, let’s discuss some new strategies for improving our project workflows. We need innovative ideas to streamline our processes.

Coworker (John): I have an idea! What if we implement a new weekly report system? Each department can submit a detailed report on their progress every Friday. It will help us keep track of everything and improve our productivity.

(The room goes silent. Some team members exchange knowing glances.)

You: Interesting. 🤨

Sarah: Yes, John, just like the LAST THREE TIMES we tried it.
What do you think about John's idea?

It's a great idea.

It's not gonna work.

​Connotations (or Implications) |
Connotations: perceptions or feelings a word conveys, which are distinct from the actual meaning of the words.
Implications: suggesting something without clearly saying it.

Why do we need to learn this?
- Scenario 2 : If you were a waiter

• Waiter(You): Would you like some more water?

• Customer: I am good, thank you.

• What should you do?

​fill the cup up

say thank you and leave

​Connotations (or Implications) |
Connotations: perceptions or feelings a word conveys, which are distinct from the actual meaning of the words.
Implications: suggesting something without clearly saying it.

Why do we need to learn this?
- Scenario 2: If you were a waiter

• Waiter(You): Would you like some more water?

• Customer: I am good, thank you.

• What should you do?

​fill the cup up

say thank you and leave

The connotation of "I am fine/good"

• The customer’s response typically means he or she does not need more water.

• He or she is politely declining your offer without explicitly saying "no."

Why do we need to learn connotations (implications)?

The connotation of "I am fine/good"

• The customer’s response typically means he or she does not need more water.

• He or she is politely declining your offer without explicitly saying "no."

Why do we need to learn connotations (implications)?
We should give a proper response
1. to show politeness and professionalism
2. to avoid misunderstandings
3. to enhance communication skills

 

​So how can we get the connotations?
1. Context: the location & the relationships between the speakers
2. Tone of voice: emotions & urgency of the speakers
3. Non-verbal expressions: body language & facial expressions
4. Cultural norms: the use of indirect language
5. Previous interactions: recalling previous interactions to understand one's typical communication style
6. Asking follow-up questions/responses

Task 1 | Practice

1. Match the following usage of the words with the correct connotations.

2. Infer the relationships between the two speakers for each dialogue.

   
   

​1.1 really | fine | whatever
1.2 Here you are. | I'll think about it. | Can we talk?

​positive surprise

​諷刺

​doubt/skepticism

​sarcasm

​acceptance/
agreement

​a lack of
preference

​hidden frustration

​a lack of
preference

​irritation

​a sense of
reluctant acceptance

​giving something

​completion of
a task

​sarcasm

​genuine
consideration

​polite decline

Task 2 | Role play

1. Pair up (or get into a group of 3). Choose one scenario below.

2. Come up with a dialogue with a least 2 turns taking.

3. Later, I will invite one group to demonstrate their work.

   
   

Scenario 1:

• Context: A hateful colleague inviting you to lunch.

• Roles: You, a hateful colleague, (another friendly colleague)

Scenario 2:

• Context: A salesperson offering an upgrade.

• Roles: You, (your kid,) salesperson 

Scenario 3:

• Context: You and your sister have a conflict about the choice of the dinner.

• Roles: You, your sister, (Mother)

​Something you need to notice:

1. Ensure you fully understand the context in which an expression is used to avoid misinterpreting or misusing them.

2. Consider your audience's expectations, sensitivities, and cultural differences.

3. Your use of connotations might impact the conversation or relationship. Try to know how to react or respond properly so as to achieve the communicative goals and build clear and respectful communication.