Previous research identifies a number of factors associated with a socially stigmatized speech style known initially as "women's language" and subsequently as "powerless language." This study examines the effects of speaker sex, socio-economic status, ability, communication apprehension, rigidity, and question type on the incidence of 16 style markers and on verbosity in simulated job interviews. Results reveal limited evidence of the impact of social and psychological factors, but pervasive potency for question type. Open questions constitute an element of interaction structure that engenders expressions of tentativeness and uncertainty. Under these circumstances, it is more reasonable to change dysfunctional linguistic stereotypes than common, contextually induced language behaviors.
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