👉 The speech weapon refers to the strategic use of language by individuals or groups to influence, manipulate, or control the perception and interpretation of their messages. This concept, popularized by Erving Goffman, highlights how speakers can employ various linguistic tools—such as tone, vocabulary, syntax, and discourse markers—to achieve specific communicative goals, whether to persuade, intimidate, or align with certain ideologies. In essence, the speech weapon underscores the power dynamics inherent in communication, showing how language is not just a neutral medium but a potent instrument for shaping social realities and influencing others.
