Final answer:
True, speakers who use qualifiers, hedges, and disclaimers are often perceived as uncertain or hesitant, making them appear less powerful. This type of language, necessary in some contexts, can influence one's perceived confidence and authority.
Step-by-step explanation:
The assertion that speakers who use qualifiers, hedges, and disclaimers are generally considered uncertain or hesitant, leading to a perception of them as less powerful, is true. Qualifiers such as “it seems that,” “it appears to me that,” or “I may be wrong, but” can soften the tone of a message, making it less authoritative and more inviting for a constructive conversation. However, this very softening can often lead to the speaker being seen as less confident and assertive.
In the context of marketing, when information about the quality of products is highly imperfect, qualifiers and cautious language are necessary. Still, these can make claims appear less assured, impacting market existence and consumer trust.
Advertisers often use language and images that are exaggerated or ambiguous, as checked by the Federal Trade Commission, which aligns with the concept of caveat emptor (“let the buyer beware”).
Additionally, research in sociolinguistics, such as the work of Robin Lakoff, has explored how speech patterns differ by gender, with women's language often characterized as more uncertain and polite, reflecting social power dynamics.