Unlocking Effective Communication: The Power of Declarative Language

Telling it Like it Is!

Communication is the cornerstone of human interaction. We communicate not only with words but also through our actions, expressions, and gestures. Within this vast realm of communication, there's a unique approach known as declarative language, and it has the potential to transform the way we connect with others.

Understanding Declarative Language

Declarative language is more than just words; it's a mode of communication that embodies the art of sharing experiences, information, and opinions with others. Unlike imperative language, which often seeks specific responses, declarative language aims to gain insights, perspectives, and thoughts from those we communicate with. Here are some key characteristics of declarative language:

1. Dynamic and Creative: Declarative language is dynamic in nature, making each interaction unique and unpredictable. It encourages creative exchanges where you can't foresee exactly what the other person will say or how the conversation will evolve.

2. Cumulative: When someone responds to declarative language, it adds to the shared knowledge and experience, making it impossible to script or predict the outcome.

3. Verbal and Nonverbal: Declarative language isn't limited to words. It incorporates nonverbal cues such as gestures, facial expressions, and vocal intonation, enriching the depth of communication.

On the flip side, we have imperative language, which often involves questions, directions, and commands. Imperative language is more rigid, with responses categorized as right or wrong. It tends to be less dynamic and may not require further interaction beyond the initial response.

The Transformative Power of Declarative Communication

By embracing declarative communication, we can unlock a world of possibilities. It relieves students from the pressure of providing correct answers, encourages them to think independently, and promotes a more thoughtful and interactive environment. Declarative statements pave the way for genuine connections, where sharing experiences and ideas take center stage, and interacting becomes a dynamic, enriching journey.

Types of Declarative Utterances

Comments: I really like playing with cars. That car is at the top of the hill. We went to the restaurant for lunch. That was a really loud noise. Your music has a great beat.

Declarations: Today is my birthday. I am going to try and win. We won! I want to eat lunch, I am hungry!

Opportunities for Problem Solving: Oh no the table is wet. I can't open the door. The walk is slippery.

Predictions: I bet the books will fall. There is a lot of noise in this room, I bet John did not hear you. I think Mrs. S. will really like this cake.

Reflections: It was fun going to buy ice cream. That was a really tasty apple.

Enthusiasm: Wow! We did it. We are the best.

Support: You can do it. She is a really good basketball player.

Announcements: We are going to the restaurant for dinner. I would like some ice cream.

Perspective sharing: Going on the rides makes me feel sick. It scares me to be up high.

Declarative questions (if you know the answer, then it is not a declarative): What do you think about…? Where are my keys? (when you can't find them)

Invitations: What should we do next? We could go to CVS next. I want to dance!

Attempts at regulation: Hey that one is too fast for me. You forgot about me.

Self regulation: I can do it. I need to slow down and try again.

Shared narrative: That was so funny, I wonder what will happen next. It was fun making the cake but everything got so messy.

Self narrative: When we were playing checkers, I made four kings. I was reading and finished four chapters.

So many things to say and so many ways to share without testing the child!