TYPES OF SPEECH

STYLE
ORAL COMMUNICATION IN CONTEXT
TYPES OF SPEECH
STYLE
ORAL COMMUNICATION IN CONTEXT
Types of speech style range on a scale from most formal to
most informal. The five levels identified have been
specialized names by linguists….
1.Frozen
2.Formal
3.Consultative
4.Casual
5.Intimate
 FROZEN
• This style of communication rarely
or never changes. It is “frozen” in
time and content.
• Example: the Pledge of
Allegiance, the Lord’s Prayer, the
Preamble of the Constitution,
the Alma Mater, a bibliographic
reference, laws
 FORMAL
• This language is used in formal
settings and is one-way in
nature.
• This use of language usually
follows a commonly
accepted format.
• It is usually impersonal and
formal.
• Examples: sermons, rhetorical
statements and questions,
speeches, pronouncements
 CONSULTATIVE
• It is formal and societal
expectations accompany
the users of this speech.
• It is a professional
discourse.
• Examples: communication
between a superior and a
subordinate, doctor and
patient, lawyer and client,
lawyer and judge, teacher and
student, counsellor and client
 CASUAL
• This is an informal
language used by peers
and friends.
• Slang, vulgarities and
colloquialism are normal.
• This is “group language.”
• One must be a member to
engage in this register.
• Examples: buddies, chats and
emails, blogs, letters to
friends
 INTIMAT
E
• This communication is private.
• It is reserved for close family
members, or intimate people.
• Examples: husband and wife,
boyfriend and girlfriend,
siblings, and parent & children
The following lines were taken from the movie
“The King’s Speech.”
Identify the type of speech style in each line.
1. “In this grave hour, perhaps the most fateful in our
history, I send to every household of my peoples, both at
home and overseas this message spoken with the
same depth of feeling for each one of you as if I were
able to cross your threshold and speak for myself.”
2. “Mr. Johnson, do come in.”
3. “Please take a seat, your Majesty.”
4. “How are you, Mr. Johnson? Nice to see you.
5. “Uh… I see. Well, Mr. Lionel, I think it’s good.”
6. “Comin’ over tonight? Be there at eight.”
7. “What’s up, man?”
8. “You have to believe me, dear.”
9. “Just try to be brave as your father, boy.”
10. “Bertie, you can do this, talk to me as a friend.”