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Psittacism

Techniques > Use of language > Figures of speech > Psittacism

Method | Example | Discussion | See also

Description

Psittacism is parrot-like repetition.

Example

Who's a clever person? Who's a clever person? You!

That's right, that's right, I'm sad and blue.

(other person says 'I want to go out') You want to go out. Good to hear. Let's go.

(other person says 'I'll be there in time') In time, you'll get whatever you want.

Discussion

Parrots do two forms of repetition: repeating the same sentence, and copying what the other person says, word for word.

Repeating the same sentence is a form of emphasis, sending a signal that 'these words are important' and may be used for gaining attention to the words being repeated. Some people have a habit of regularly repeating the last few words you say, which can also be rather annoying.

Parroting as repeating back the words that the other person has said is a simple way of building rapport. This needs care as mimicking can be seen as an insult or crass and rather blunt method of attempted persuasion.

A subtle device is to use the last words that the other person said, but in a different way, almost as if you are picking up where they left off.

Classification: Repetition

See also

Parroting, Attention principle, Repetition principle

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Site Menu

| Home | Top | Quick Links | Settings |

Main sections: | Disciplines | Techniques | Principles | Explanations | Theories |

Other sections: | Blog! | Quotes | Guest articles | Analysis | Books | Help |

More pages: | Contact | Caveat | About | Students | Webmasters | Awards | Guestbook | Feedback | Sitemap | Changes |

Settings: | Computer layout | Mobile layout | Small font | Medium font | Large font | Translate |

Please help and share:

Quick links

Disciplines

* Argument
* Brand management
* Change Management
* Coaching
* Communication
* Counseling
* Game Design
* Human Resources
* Job-finding
* Leadership
* Marketing
* Politics
* Propaganda
* Rhetoric
* Negotiation
* Psychoanalysis
* Sales
* Sociology
* Storytelling
* Teaching
* Warfare
* Workplace design

Techniques

* Assertiveness
* Body language
* Change techniques
* Closing techniques
* Conversation
* Confidence tricks
* Conversion
* Creative techniques
* General techniques
* Happiness
* Hypnotism
* Interrogation
* Language
* Listening
* Negotiation tactics
* Objection handling
* Propaganda
* Problem-solving
* Public speaking
* Questioning
* Using repetition
* Resisting persuasion
* Self-development
* Sequential requests
* Storytelling
* Stress Management
* Tipping
* Using humor
* Willpower

Principles

Explanations

* Behaviors
* Beliefs
* Brain stuff
* Conditioning
* Coping Mechanisms
* Critical Theory
* Culture
* Decisions
* Emotions
* Evolution
* Gender
* Games
* Groups
* Habit
* Identity
* Learning
* Meaning
* Memory
* Motivation
* Models
* Needs
* Personality
* Power
* Preferences
* Research
* Relationships
* SIFT Model
* Social Research
* Stress
* Trust
* Values

Theories

* Alphabetic list
* Theory types

And

– About
– Guest Articles
– Blog!
– Books
– Changes
– Contact
– Guestbook
– Quotes
– Students
– Webmasters

| Home | Top | Menu | Quick Links |

© Changing Works 2002-
Massive Content — Maximum Speed