Powerless Language

Whether we are aware of it or not, we partake in communication practices every day. This can be as intentional as a verbal response or something out of our control like a yawn. These verbal and non-verbal behaviors working together produce some sort of result, whether it is maintaining a relationship, completing a project, or influencing others. To successfully demonstrate this process, we will be analyzing a scene from the new hit drama known as “The Good Doctor”. This scene takes place in a highly stressed environment where the clock is ticking for a young boy’s life. A group of doctors must work against time in an effort to come up with a life-saving decision. Our focus will revolve around the variety of verbal and nonverbal tactics Dr.

Dr. Claire Browne, a resident at San Jose St. Bonaventure Hospital, engages in powerless language when conversing with her boss. When one hears the term powerless language, they might question how that could lead to an effective argument. However, one must fully understand what powerless language is before making such rash assertions. According to lecture, powerless language shows lower impressions of confidence and trustworthiness, but it also can be shown as a form of respect (Mullin, 2017, October 12). Basically, depending on the situation, relationship, or cultural context, these phrases can come off as either hesitant or well intentioned. The main protagonist starts off with the hedge “but it could” when presenting her claim. As a resident, she recognizes her role in the hospital, and knows she does not have the authority to make decisions, but that does not stop her from being able to present a viable solution. She also uses the phrase “what if” as

Jargon, a form of verbal communication, is “technical language that is specific to members of a given profession or activity or hobby group” (O’Hair, Wiemann, Mullin, & Teven, 2015, p. 74). These doctors are aware of the situation they are in, and modify their speech to complement the setting. In simplest terms, her speech must be appropriate for the environment that she is in. For example, Claire uses words such as “brachycephalic vein” or “SVC” (superior vena cava) when presenting her diagnosis of the boy. We also see Dr. Melendez describe some medical term known as “pericardial effusion” These words are not every day language that the public engages in, but are specific to this group. Yet again, we see Claire use verbal language to help benefit her argument. The words she chooses not only allow her to be a part of this group, but also create a logical statement that is mutually understood. It is imperative, to emphasize how important that the code is shared between this group. Just imagine, if all of these doctors spoke a different language or all used different jargon. The code would not be understood, and effective communication will not have taken place, and the saving of this boy’s life would have been far less likely. As of right now, the focus has been on how the verbal behaviors have affected