Authority and How it is Used

The definition of authority, according to Writing @ Saint Leo, is a continually negotiated concept that is determined by how the presented genre is understood and used in interactions between people. There are different forms of authority, especially when communicating with others, either speaking with authority or speaking as an authority. One who speaks with authority is usually aiming to express their own views or opinions, like we have seen very recently with the candidates in the political race for president. One who speaks as an authority is aiming to express prior knowledge or instruction to others in a group, while also keeping an open mind about other outcomes in a situation. As my student council’s vice president and group leader for many organizations in my school, there have been many instances where I have had to speak as an authoritative figure, either giving instructions to other students, or even explaining how something works. In these instances I am getting my point across but also keeping an open mind for any questions or other solutions that some might have. There have also been instances where I have had to speak with authority, say in a debate or anytime I am expressing my personal opinions to someone else, where I did not think that their solutions were valid I simply just wanted to get my own point across. When speaking with or as an authority, it gives people the sense of belonging and inclusion to that group or community, because they feel that they are able to express themselves or their knowledge to others and be understood. It is important to remember and understand your place when expressing these authoritative forms, like the article mentioned, especially if you are new to these groups, because you do not want to lose credibility or your feeling of belonging.