The Power of Language
By Mary Ellen Bafumo

Language defines leaders. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s iconic phrase, "I have a dream…" is the perfect example. Even setting aside the powerful context of the event in which he spoke, the language he used clearly identified Martin Luther King as a leader. He didn't say that he had a "good idea," or a "thought to share." Nor did he say he knew "the way" to a better America. Like great Americans before him, King had a dream. His carefully crafted words powerfully conveyed the passion of his beliefs, and he earned a place in history for helping to right a great wrong in our nation.

Language inspires us
Franklin Delano Roosevelt led this nation out of the depths of the Great Depression and to victory in World War II. He used language masterfully by speaking directly to the American people to calm their fears and rally their support for the dual challenges of rebuilding America's economy and defending freedom. He assured Americans who were out of work, with no jobs on the immediate horizon, that "We have nothing to fear but fear itself." His fireside chats encouraged and uplifted Americans. A grateful nation elected Roosevelt to the Presidency an unprecedented four times.

Language moves us to action
In his inaugural address, John Fitzgerald Kennedy used language to remind the nation of its stewardship. "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country." An "army" of Peace Corps volunteers emerged to spread American know-how and compassion to those in poverty at home and abroad.

Language has power
Does yours? As a teacher, you are a classroom leader. What you say and how you say it speaks volumes about you as a professional. Here are 10 things you can do to ramp up your language skills, which invariably will enhance your professionalism and leadership.

1. Listen to yourself speaking. One day in class tape record a lesson or part of it and then listen to it carefully.
2. Closely examine your choice of words. Are they targeted and accurate? Were there better choices you could have used now that you've had a chance to review them?
3. Be aware of your expression. You are expressive if you can hear differences in your tone and inflection. If you usually tend to speak in a monotone, practice emphasizing key words to get started on becoming more expressive. Try using enthusiastic tones. Keep in mind that your language can inspire and motivate your students just as easily as it can intimidate or turn them off to learning.
4. Are you setting a standard for correct usage? More than ever, our classrooms are filled with students who are not native English speakers. Your role modeling of correct usage is critical to their language development. Parents are careful watchers and listeners of teachers, too. They expect high standards from the person who is a primary role model for their children.
5. Enunciate appropriately. Be sure to clearly pronounce the "-ings," "-ers" and "-eds" at the end of words rather than slurring the sounds. This is a hallmark of professionals.
6. Know your audience and plan what you'll say beforehand.
7. When you know you'll be addressing parents, plan opening and closing lines that set the tone warmly and wrap up memorably. Practice so you'll have a fluency in delivering those few well-chosen words and whatever you say in-between. It will pay off in more ways than can be documented here.
8. Think before you speak. That's difficult in a classroom where time is at a premium, but using the right words in a lesson or when speaking with students can make a tremendous difference all around. Try to weigh your thoughts before expressing them.
9. Build vocabulary and use new words until fluency develops.
10. Identify high-level words that students find fascinating from lessons or reading. Focus on using each word yourself (put them on the word wall, too) and encourage students to do the same until everyone can use the word appropriately. Recognize students when they use the word correctly. I've heard first graders using words like "plethora" and "rigorous" fluently as a result of such a focus.

These ideas will really power up your language skills. I hope you try them!

Mary Ellen Bafumo is a Program Director for the Council on Educational Change, an Annenberg legacy group.