Journal of Technical Writing and Communication Apr 1990

You-Perspective: Insights from Speech Act Theory

Kim Sydow Campbell Auburn University ; Kathryn Riley University of Minnesota, Duluth ; Frank Parker Louisiana State University

Abstract

Advice about how and when to implement the you-perspective is sometimes vague or contradictory. Many authorities simply advise writers to use the second person pronoun as often as possible, in either subject or object position; others suggest that the first person pronoun may be preferable for certain types of messages such as negative ones. Concepts from speech act theory can be used to clarify the most effective use of first and second person pronouns in two types of structures frequently found in professional communication: commissives and directives.

Journal
Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Published
1990-04-01
DOI
10.2190/g33j-lu2l-w0nq-85tw
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Open Access
Closed
Topics
discourse analysis professional writing
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Citation Context

Cited by in this index (6)

  1. Campbell (2016)
    Flipping to Teach the Conceptual Foundations of Successful Workplace Writing
    Business and Professional Communication Quarterly
  2. Thayer et al. (2010)
    I, Pronoun: A Study of Formality in Online Content
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  3. Campbell et al. (1996)
    Responding to Hostile Questions: More insights from Speech Act Theory
    Technical Communication Quarterly
  4. Campbell (1991)
    Structural Cohesion in Technical Texts
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  5. Riley (1991)
    Passive Voice and Rhetorical Role in Scientific Writing
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Show all 6 →
  1. Ferguson et al. (1990)
    Grammar and Technical Writing
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication

References (20) · 2 in this index

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  2. Huseman R. C. (1988)
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    Communication for Management and Business
  4. Wilkinson C. W. (1986)
    Communication Through Writing and Speaking
  5. Dumont R. A. (1987)
    Business Communication
Show all 20 →
  1. Bonner W. H. (1986)
    Communicating in Business: Key to Success
  2. Bowman J. P. (1980)
    Successful Communication in Business
  3. Murphy H. A. (1988)
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  6. 10.1017/CBO9781139173438
     ↗
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  11. Campbell K. S., Explanations in Negative Messages: More Insights from Speech Act Theory, Journal of Business …
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    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
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CrossRef global citation count: 10 View in citation network → Build reading path →

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