SPEECH STYLES

By JAMES ROBERT R. CANLAS

WHAT IS SPEECH STYLE?

 Speech Style  
- According to Martin Joos (1976-156), it concerns with
the form of language which the speaker uses,
characterized by the degree of formality of the discourse.
Types of Speech Style (Martin Joos)

 Types of speech style range on a scale from most formal to

most informal style. Linguists have identified specialized
names of speech style. They are the following:

Frozen Casual
Formal Intimate
Consultative
 Tip: The thesis should be clear and bold. Use
powerful images as a background or an accent to
strengthen the thesis statement.

Speech Style Definition and

Examples
 1. Frozen

 This style of communication ‘rarely or never changes’. By the

name suggests, it is ‘frozen’ in time and content. This is also
known as fixed speech. It is the most formal communicative
style that is often used in respectful situation or formal ceremony.
As the most highly formal style, is uses the complex grammatical
sentence structure and vocabulary known only to experts in a
particular field.
EXAMPLES

 The Pledge of Allegiance, the Lord’s prayer, the

Preamble of the Constitution, the Alma Mater, a
bibliographic reference, laws,
2. Formal

 In this style, the language used is for formal setting and is

one-way in nature. The speech format and the use of
language usually follows a commonly accepted format. It is
usually impersonal and formal.  
EXAMPLE

 Sermons,
rhetorical, statements and questions, speeches,
pronouncements made by judges, announcements.
EXAMPLE STATEMENT

“Throughout this ceremony, BRIDE and GROOM have vowed, in our

presence, to be loyal and loving towards each other.
They have formalized the existence of the bond between them with words
spoken and with the giving and receiving of rings.
Therefore, it is my pleasure to now pronounce them husband and wife.
You may now kiss your bride”
3. Consultative

 Itis regarded as a professional discourse, accustomed as a

formal and societal expectations accompany the users of this
speech.  

 Example: communication between a superior and a

subordinate, doctor and patient, lawyer and client, lawyer and
judge, teacher and student, counsellor and client
EXAMPLE STATEMENT

“Mr. Johnson, do come in.”

“Uh…I see. Well, Mr. Lionel, I think it’s good.”
“Please take a seat, your Majesty.”
 4. Casual

 This refers to an informal language used of language when

conversing with peers and friends. Most commonly, the use of
slang, vulgar, and colloquial words is normal. This is termed as
‘group language’, in which, one must be a member to engage in
this register.  
 Example: buddies, chats and emails, blogs, letters to friends
EXAMPLE STATEMENT

“Comin’ over tonight? Be there at eight.” 

“Bertie, you can do this, talk to me as a friend.”
“What’s up, man?”
5. Intimate

 This
communication is private. It is reserved for close family
member, or intimate people.  
 Example: husband and wife, boyfriend and girlfriend,
siblings, and parent and children
EXAMPLE STATEMENT

“You have to believe me, dear.”

“You’re the only one in my life.”
“You can make it, son.”
“Honey, can we have a dinner date tonight?”