LANGUAGE AS A WEAPON

[Gabriel Suarez]

Tactics is the art of maneuvering against an opponent and toward a specific objective. In tactics there are skill sets beginning with the fundamentals of marksmanship, and culminating the the development of personal deadliness and a confidence in one's abilities and one's decisiveness that makes lesser men uncomfortable.

The art of war and the art of words are very similar. Just as tactics is the art of maneuver, language is the art of communication. If one can communicate with exactness and with flair, he will be far more successful at anything than the man who can only communicate with shrugs and grunts. But communication, like tactics, takes work. And although it may help, it has little to do with formal education as I can say I have worked with men and women with masters degrees whose verbal skills were akin to a seventh grader.

This issue of language is so important that when I conduct Instructor Classes I have an entire block of training on how to speak. Your speaking skills are a large component of your command presence. Like physical appearance, the better you are at it, the more you will command respect and be given a leadership position by those who wish to follow you.

So just as you train to be strong and agile, and fast and accurate, likewise train your language skills and develop your command of words and how they are interconnected.

[WinstonSmith]

Related: knowing when to bite your tongue, when to be fully confrontational, and when to subtly suggest the same content as if it's the idea of your audience and not your own.

Get into consulting work and you'll learn this quickly or lose clients.

[ChrisNobody]

I could not agree more with Gabe. The ability to place your words on target with effect and the ability to place your bullets on target with effect are both vitally important. As a fairly successful businessman, I spend 90% plus of my time waging a 'war of words'. This encompasses managing staff, negotiating contracts, selling services, etc... That is what it takes to be proficient as a businessman and (just like martial endeavors) I train daily for those events. This includes dry practice, sparring, and then live execution.

I train for martial events as well. I also am confident that the world is progressing in such a way that my martial skills will be put to the test. At the end of that test, I will stand victorious while my enemies lie dead on the ground before me. That is a fact. However, all that means in the grand scheme of things is that a homicide has taken place. Law enforcement will investigate it just like they would any other homicide. I don't dispute that it is a homicide; rather, my job is to ensure that it is deemed 'justifiable'. That is done through the effective use of language and not simply through my trigger pulling acumen.

I have been a member of the 'tribe' for less than a year. However, if I look back over that year I recall that one of the first things that struck me about the SI staff was how eloquent they are. Gabe is an outstanding speaker. Brent and Dave are excellent speakers. Nichols is very well spoken (and can switch over to surly in a heartbeat). I've heard Jeromy speak (and I didn't know he was an SI instructor at the time) and he is quite well spoken. This is one of the things that sets SI apart. What I don't think is that the tribe fully recognizes that this is part of the equation as much as the quality of your trigger, the accuracy potential of your barrel or the number of rounds in your magazines.

Kudos for driving the tribe forward with some really fantastic points of discussion (use of language and even dressing appropriately).

[R. Lafayette]

Words matter.

I, for one, never served a single arrest warrant or search warrant. Serving is what a waiter does. I executed warrants. And, for me, there was a significant mindset difference between the two.

[KarlinPhoenix]

Part of being a complete man.

Are you all getting Dictionary.com's "Word of the Day" delivered to your email? Our gang would compete to use the WOD in a conversation during the day. Fun stuff.

The more you read- books or in-depth articles from long form magazines, the better you will write and speak.

And as I mentioned before, instructors who can convey their material with "economy of language" are impressive. Some of our high school educated mechanics who taught systems were magicians with language, making literature majors look like comic book critics.

Thank you for this; now I am a subscriber. Always something to learn from WT members.

[Gabriel Suarez]

We...here anyway...are a culture of Renaissance Warriors. Men who can mix an excellent drink, or plan an assassination, as easily as they can sing a lullaby.

That is what being a MAN is, and not what the modern pusilanimous culture says it is. We define ourselves by how we live and what we strive for. Every life is like a canvas becoming a painting. Let ours not be a boring and flacid one that nobody would care to hang in their study. Instead let it be a powerful statement of who we are and were.

[Badger]

Most communication is done nonverbally. This ties into the other thread, in part, about your manner of dress. I would also respectfully suggest that actually listening to someone is also a critical component of the equation.

One of the best ways to deescalate a situation is to come across as if you care or are trying to help the other person get their way while getting yours.

[EDELWEISS]

I LOVE this new focus on being a gentleman.... Yes words are weapons Yes being a gentleman matter Yes being a gentleman means that you should be able to kill with words as well as swords and do it all when dressed appropriately

[Rick Klopp]

A word I learned recently which is apropos to tactics is punctilious. Punctilious comes from the Italian word puntiglio meaning "fine point". Someone who is punctilious understands that everything has a consequence. No detail is too small or to be overlooked. One who pays close attention to detail.

Proof reading college texts has paid off. I'm a firm believer that language equates to power.

[lj bluesboy]

I'm reminded of the "doofer jar" back in pilot training. If you as the student did or said something dumb, the controller would take note of it and you'd be held accountable by putting a dollar per infraction in the class beer fund. Of course at the time, it was simply a way to haze the studs; looking back it was the perfect way to dis-incentivize laziness in radio discipline and make you think before opening your big, dumb mouth.

I've even started applying the same principle to flying with our ground guys; for every f'ed up radio call the team lead makes, the whole team gets to do 10 burpees in full kit. I've even had to eat my own words and do my own burpees on an ice covered flight line. As the saying about the radio button goes, "push to talk, not to think."

[firebird6]

Now you are talking about the student - teacher setting. You can just as easily talk about a setting where an authority figure is exerting control over someone in the performance of a task, compliance with an order, instruction, or threat. Serving a warrant, making an arrest, directing traffic, assisting a victim, or communicating a threat to a potential opponent.

To paraphrase Clausewitz, "Violence is communication by other means." Some people only understand violence. For what it is worth. I think "most people" (whatever that may come to mean...) only "hear" a small percentage of what is said. They infer a great deal more from context, and context is influenced by their back ground. They "understand" via that internal filter. We all know here that certain people only understand a smack in the mouth. Everything you tell them is meaningless. The pain and impact is the only thing they understand.

This could be your next book.

[Dorkface]

As I mentioned in the other thread I don't tend to like people whom can't hold a conversation with out cursing, especially every sentence, as it tends to indicate low intelligence. Again that doesn't mean there aren't times for it and sometimes it can be really funny. Sometimes one will need to curse so as to speak with a thug and make him understand his intentions might not be the best idea. Sometimes dropping a huge F bomb is the best way to convey ones feelings on the matter too lol.

[Little Bill]

Yep, perhaps the most versatile word in the language. And yes, sometimes it's the best way to say what you're wanting to express.

But like all words, it's impact is in inverse proportion to how often you use it. If you're one of those f***ers whose every other f***ing word is f**k, people get used to hearing it and it has little impact.

I remembering my first wife telling me about the one and only time she heard her father use it. It definitely made an impression!

[Little Bill]

Most communication is done nonverbally. This ties into the other thread, in part, about your manner of dress. I would also respectfully suggest that actually listening to someone is also a critical component of the equation.

One of the best ways to deescalate a situation is to come across as if you care or are trying to help the other person get their way while getting yours.
Yep: body language, demeanor, tone of voice, are all as important as the words you choose in communicating your message; whether it's one of threat, or concern, or whatever.

[Little Bill]

Tactics is the art of maneuvering against an opponent and toward a specific objective. In tactics there are skill sets beginning with the fundamentals of marksmanship, and culminating the the development of personal deadliness and a confidence in one's abilities and one's decisiveness that makes lesser men uncomfortable.

The art of war and the art of words are very similar. Just as tactics is the art of maneuver, language is the art of communication. If one can communicate with exactness and with flair, he will be far more successful at anything than the man who can only communicate with shrugs and grunts. But communication, like tactics, takes work. And although it may help, it has little to do with formal education as I can say I have worked with men and women with masters degrees whose verbal skills were akin to a seventh grader.

This issue of language is so important that when I conduct Instructor Classes I have an entire block of training on how to speak. Your speaking skills are a large component of your command presence. Like physical appearance, the better you are at it, the more you will command respect and be given a leadership position by those who wish to follow you.

So just as you train to be strong and agile, and fast and accurate, likewise train your language skills and develop your command of words and how they are interconnected.
For most folks, your verbal skills will improve in direct proportion to how much you read. Reading IS training, where language skills are concerned.

Then the other part of the equation is how you use those words: developing your 'command voice', knowing when to be soft and when to be hard, understanding your opponent's state of mind--- Mark MacYoung's website http://www.nononsenseselfdefense.com is good in that respect IMO--- and of course, being ready to back up your words with physical violence if necessary.

[Dorkface]

A couple of other very powerful words that can be used as often as possible are please and thank you. Its amazing what can be done if even only basic manners are used. Couple it with a nice smile and the possibilities are seemingly endless. Being in retail I see people think they need to be a turbo jackass to get what they want all the time. In reality it just makes wanting to help them less of a priority and can make people dig in. However a little understanding and being polite can make people want to go farther then they may need too.

[KarlinPhoenix]

Now you are talking about the student - teacher setting. You can just as easily talk about a setting where an authority figure is exerting control over someone in the performance of a task, compliance with an order, instruction, or threat. Serving a warrant, making an arrest, directing traffic, assisting a victim, or communicating a threat to a potential opponent.

This could be your next book.

That is what I am thinking.....:thumbsup:

[Christopher Calhoun]

A couple of other very powerful words that can be used as often as possible are please and thank you. Its amazing what can be done if even only basic manners are used. Couple it with a nice smile and the possibilities are seemingly endless. Being in retail I see people think they need to be a turbo jackass to get what they want all the time. In reality it just makes wanting to help them less of a priority and can make people dig in. However a little understanding and being polite can make people want to go farther then they may need too.

I work at a charter elementary school in Texas. The old assistant principal used to warn the parents of shall we say "hard headed kids" that it is a school of choice. In other words, they do not have to attend this school and are free to go elsewhere. We had a staff meeting the day after a short break and they were talking about what needed to change and I stated, louder than I intended, "the kid's manners." The principal asked what I meant and I explained to her that it it literally absurd the lack of manners the kids have and for me, it all comes down to parenting. Now, to be clear, I mean parenting as in there is a gap somewhere; bad parents, lack of parents due to work or other issues, and misguided parents.

One example I gave was during the fifth grade lunch, a student raised her hand, I looked at her and said "yes ma'am," and she pointed at the paper towels and said, "napkin." Inside I came unglued because most of the year, it was simply, "I need a napkin" from most of the students. This time I sat down at her table and told her that I was sorry, but I am not her waiter or servant for one and secondly, if there is anything else she may want in life, she will need to learn to form her desire into a question and request and add please and thank you to the end. I then told her that I was getting up and walking away until she decided she wanted to try again. She looked at me with this half confused, half pissed off look and ate for another five minutes before she raised her hand, waited for my response, and asked, "can I have a napkin please?"

But wait, there's more. Not literally five seconds later, her friend behind her who I HOPE just wasn't paying attention, raised her hand, only waited for my eye contact and then said, "I need a fork." So I calmly turned to the original young lady and asked her to explain to her friend what had just happened between the two of us. Again, a raised hand and a, "can I please have a fork?"

Maybe I'm a 34 year old curmudgeon or just a pain in the rear, but I will not and have not given any of these kids a single item they have wanted without forming it as a request with a please attached. I will not do it.

The problem is, the majority of them are entitled. I am not saying this because it simply common to say right now, I have worked in a school for the past four years and I see it as truth. It is rare to find a student who truly wants to work for what they have. It is astounding. They are allowed to think at home or somewhere that if they want it, they automatically get it. No earning, no working, no, not even asking for it. The high school kids think they have the world by the crotch already and I have checked up on a small handful that were pig headed, self entitled brats, and three out of the six are working menial jobs and are NOT in some form of higher education. Two joined the military and one was already a part of our career tech school in high school and is now at TAMU in her first year in college but finishing her THIRD year equivalent course work to be in the medical field. What I will say about the last young lady is that while she thought she had the world by the crotch, she had a plan, she worked through the first part and is working through the second part.

The only two out of those six that even spoke like they knew the english language were the med student and one of the military boys. The other four, f-this, don't give a f-that, he gots this, close that doe, (best way I could phonetically spell how they pronounce door) and they all "be havin'" one thing or the other. It really is a shame.

[IANative]

I have heard Rush Limbaugh asked on more than one occasion what is the one thing to which he most attributes his success. Every time, his answer has been the same: A mastery of the spoken and written English language. When further asked as to how to achieve that mastery, he says, "Read. Read everything you can."

I agree completely. I am a voracious reader, and have been since I was a small child. There is no doubt in my mind that it has not only broadened my knowledge, but my vocabulary, too. Many of my past performance reviews have included remarks such as, "Communicates powerfully and prolifically," and it's nearly always been the first thing mentioned by those who praise my work. But enough about me...

(I can also drop F-bombs w/ the best of them. Nine years in the Navy can teach you to "Curse powerfully and prolifically," too.)

If, you're trying to improve your vocabulary, I would suggest, as Rush does, that you READ. Whether historical fiction is your thing (like me), self-improvement guides (my wife), Hot Rod magazine (motorhead buddy of mine who strives to overcome his dyslexia) or fairy tales involving gay unicorns (Greg), the important thing is that you read and strive to learn/understand from it. I love the Kindle word look-up feature for that very reason.

[Gabriel Suarez]

And avoid spending time with stupid people.

[shooterb]

And avoid spending time with stupid people.

In my personal life? Absolutely! Professionally? Kinda goes with the job. :thumbdn:

[djk010468]

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned Toastmasters. I participated for several years in order to overcome my general dislike of public speaking. They have a lot of good teaching materials including things such as how to organize your thoughts and your presentation, etc. What you can get out of it depends a lot on the quality of the other participants, but if you get into a good group you can improve a lot. One person does a presentation, and another has the job of presenting a critique of it, at the same meeting. So you have a pre-prepared presentation, and an on the fly critique of it. Both roles can be very challenging and educational.

[docholliday13]

I work at a charter elementary school in Texas. The old assistant principal used to warn the parents of shall we say "hard headed kids" that it is a school of choice. In other words, they do not have to attend this school and are free to go elsewhere. We had a staff meeting the day after a short break and they were talking about what needed to change and I stated, louder than I intended, "the kid's manners." The principal asked what I meant and I explained to her that it it literally absurd the lack of manners the kids have and for me, it all comes down to parenting. Now, to be clear, I mean parenting as in there is a gap somewhere; bad parents, lack of parents due to work or other issues, and misguided parents.

One example I gave was during the fifth grade lunch, a student raised her hand, I looked at her and said "yes ma'am," and she pointed at the paper towels and said, "napkin." Inside I came unglued because most of the year, it was simply, "I need a napkin" from most of the students. This time I sat down at her table and told her that I was sorry, but I am not her waiter or servant for one and secondly, if there is anything else she may want in life, she will need to learn to form her desire into a question and request and add please and thank you to the end. I then told her that I was getting up and walking away until she decided she wanted to try again. She looked at me with this half confused, half pissed off look and ate for another five minutes before she raised her hand, waited for my response, and asked, "can I have a napkin please?"

But wait, there's more. Not literally five seconds later, her friend behind her who I HOPE just wasn't paying attention, raised her hand, only waited for my eye contact and then said, "I need a fork." So I calmly turned to the original young lady and asked her to explain to her friend what had just happened between the two of us. Again, a raised hand a a, "can I please have a fork?"

Maybe I'm a 34 year old curmudgeon or just a pain in the rear, but I will not and have not given any of these kids a single item they have wanted without forming it as a request with a please attached. I will not do it.

The problem is, the majority of them are entitled. I am not saying this because it simply common to say right now, I have worked in a school for the past four years and I see it as truth. It is rare to find a student who truly wants to work for what they have. It is astounding. They are allowed to think at home or somewhere that if they want it, they automatically get it. No earning, no working, no, not even asking for it. The high school kids think they have the world by the crotch already and I have checked up on a small handful that were pig headed, self entitled brats, and three out of the six are working menial jobs and are NOT in some form of higher education. Two joined the military and one was already a part of our career tech school in high school and is now at TAMU in her first year in college but finishing her THIRD year equivalent course work to be in the medical field. What I will say about the last young lady is that while she thought she had the world by the crotch, she had a plan, she worked through the first part and is working through the second part.

The only two out of those six that even spoke like they knew the english language were the med student and one of the military boys. The other four, f-this, don't give a f-that, he gots this, close that doe, (best way I could phonetically spell how they pronounce door) and they all "be havin'" one thing or the other. It really is a shame.

Well done with having the patience to take the time to clearly explain and teach them! Pretty cool how you gave the first student a chance to explain and become the teacher to the other student!

[docholliday13]

Words are one of the most valuable assets in your toolkit. It comes down to people skills and wisdom for a big part of it. I know a cop that has been working in Houston for 20+ years and has never had to shoot anyone (and if I'm correct draw his gun on someone???) yet. The man is so skilled with his words and his insight, he is able to see what is about to happen and use his skills with people to stop it before it progresses into trouble. Nothing but respect for him.

[Speed is Life]

Proper language, an advanced vocabulary, the professional manner in which you carry yourself, including superior fitness is intimidating to your competitors and your enemies.

A waddling slob trying to project the tough guy image with tats, an unkept beard and idiotic piercings is not.

[Gabriel Suarez]

An example written at one sitting from thought to post. Thirty minutes work while the Dragon Lady gets ready for a trip into town with me. Want to speak well? Learn to write well!


http://www.warriortalk.com/showthread.php?128930-THE-SIDE-STEP-IS-STUPID&p=1788895#post1788895

[Speed is Life]

Well done. Most editors would have left out the coke whore comment to broaden the audience, but... :wink:

[Heywood]

First post in a while, been busy,. A few years back, some one started a thread about "your favorite movie badass" to which I stated Hannible lecter. Some people thought I was nuts, however I believe, a Gentleman with his Skill set (the ability to convince people to do his bidding) is more profitable in a civilized society than John Rambo.

[Gabriel Suarez]

I dont have any e,perience with Toastmasters but I suspect unless those attending are of the same world as you, their crticism will be ill conceived and of little value. Can you imagine a PTA group from Berkely critiquing a discourse of mine on why shooting an islamic terrorist in the face is preferred?

I believe the best way to learn speech is to write it. It worked well for me...and for me English is a second language.

[randyho]

I dont have any e,perience with Toastmasters but I suspect unless those attending are of the same world as you, their crticism will be ill conceived and of little value. Can you imagine a PTA group from Berkely critiquing a discourse of mine on why shooting an islamic terrorist in the face is preferred?

I believe the best way to learn speech is to write it. It worked well for me...and for me English is a second language.

This is consistent with my experience with Toastmasters. It has its place, but my world isn't typically a part of that. I'm currently working with a former Army interrogator, and journalism major. Learning lots from her.