In linguistic terms, what does 'denotation' mean?

Denotation refers to the literal and primary meaning of a word or sign, stripped of any emotional or cultural implications. It is the definition that you would find in a dictionary. Understanding denotation is essential in public speaking as it helps ensure clarity and avoids ambiguity in communication. When a speaker uses words with clear denotative meanings, the audience is more likely to understand the intended message without misinterpretations that can arise from emotional or cultural connotations associated with language. This clarity is particularly important when delivering informative speeches, where precision in language enhances the audience's comprehension and retention of information.