According to Wikipedia, the connotation of a word is the emotional meaning attached to it. The terms “terrorism” and “man-caused disasters” have basically the same literal, or denotative, meaning. But the word “terrorism” definitely carries some emotional baggage with it. Depending on your communication goals, this may be a good thing or bad thing. Either way, you need to be aware of the connotations of the words you use.

Just something to think about.

If you are a student and want a better grade on your next speech, be sure to visit GradeMySpeech.com to have a former speech instructor grade your speech before you have to deliver it for real!