Language Style

Routledge eBooks 2026 Book chapter

View at publisher
Authors: Nancy Grant Harrington, Katharine J. Head
DOI: 10.4324/9781003451655-11
Cited by: 0

Abstract

This chapter addresses language style, which the authors define as the purposeful and creative use of words and phrases to convey enriched meaning. It reviews research on five language style message elements: vividness, intensity, controlling language, creativity, and qualifying language. It reviews research studies testing the persuasive effects of the elements and raises conceptual challenges found in the research literature. When meta-analyses are available, the chapter also presents those findings. It concludes with a summary of the limitations surrounding language style research and offers directions for future research studies.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Psychology of Social Influence Linguistics and Discourse Analysis Media Influence and Health

Publication details

Journal / source
Routledge eBooks
Pages
151–166
Publication date
3 March 2026
Language
EN
Document type
Book chapter