Re: State of the Union registers at 8th grade reading level
Quote:
Originally Posted by faithful_servant
Isn't anyone here offended by the fact that the President's speechwriters think that Americans can only comprehend an 8th grade reading level?? Leave aside all the apologizing and stop and think for a second. Wouldn't you be offended if someone came up to you and started talking to you like this:
Hello Mikeyy. How are you today? Did you have a nice day? Was your dog nice to you? You look so neat and tidy (that means that you're not messy) today and that makes me so proud of you.
Assume the worst about people and they'll usually live to your expectations. Fortunately, in most cases the reverse holds true as well.
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It's not that the President's speechwriters think Americans are dumb, they're going by what pretty much every literacy survey shows. Anytime you think comprehension is important, you have to consider the literacy level of your audience and adjust accordingly. It's not condescending; it's about creating effective communication. For example, most medical literature intended for patient consumption is written at a 4th-8th grade level. Do you find that offensive as well?
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But just as they did in Philadelphia when they were writing the constitution, sooner or later, you've got to compromise. You've got to start making the compromises that arrive at a consensus and move the country forward.
Colin Powell
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02-06-2012, 03:24 PM
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