Doublespeak is a way of manipulating language, such that the original meaning is hidden, and the message is crafted into something an audience might accept more easily. It may come income in the form of mere ambiguity, but could also go as far as to completely distort meaning.
Euphemisms are considered one form of doublespeak, but sometimes, the message may be manipulated to such a degree as to completely reverse meanings of words. Depending on the objectives of the party using the language, doublespeak may lessen the impact of certain statements or, in cases in which negative propaganda is being disseminated, strengthen them.
Journalists, for example, may sensationalize certain details, thus making an impact on how readers or viewers remember certain events in their history.
Promoters also frequently use doublespeak. Advertisers, for example, gloss over the disadvantages which certain products present, whether through the manner in which they present them, or in the kinds of words used to describe them.
Salespeople also make use of doublespeak when describing certain figures, depending on whether they intend to give them more emphasis or downplay them. For instance, a dive in revenue from the previous year may be de-emphasized by mentioning the steady rate of growth instead.
Doublespeak may also come in very handy to people who are into corporate communications. A “hostile takeover” may be nicely packaged in the form of a beneficial merger. Instead of “firing” employees, they may be “let go” or “laid off.” Careful use of the language may help preserve employee morale and assuage any fears, thus helping the company run more smoothly.
