The Effects of Hedges and Hesitations On Impression Formation In a Simulated Courtroom Context
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-1987
Department
Communication Studies
School
Communication
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to refine the concepts of powerful and powerless speech styles by investigating evaluative reactions to hedges and hesitations in a simulated trial context. We asked whether hedges, hesitations, and respondent sex would interact to affect listeners’ evaluations of a speaker. We also asked whether these language variables affected perceptions of guilt. We found that a low level of hedges and hesitations produced the most positive evaluations of authoritativeness and attractiveness. The study also revealed that these variables affected perceptions of guilt.
Publication Title
Western Journal of Speech Communication
Volume
51
Issue
2
First Page
173
Last Page
188
Recommended Citation
Hosman, L. A.,
Wright, J. W.
(1987). The Effects of Hedges and Hesitations On Impression Formation In a Simulated Courtroom Context. Western Journal of Speech Communication, 51(2), 173-188.
Available at: https://aquila.usm.edu/fac_pubs/16292