UNDERSTANDING SPEECH CONTEXT,

SPEECH STYLE, SPEECH ACT AND

COMMUNICATIVE STRATEGY
As you have learned in the previous modules, each
speech style - intimate, frozen, consultative, casual or
formal - or the way language is used, will greatly
depend on the speakers’ relationship, purpose of the
conversation and the speech context - dyad, small
group, public, and mass communication - which, in
turn, will also determine what type of utterance or
speech act will be used.
While communication is on-going, communicative
strategies such as repair, topic shifting, restriction,
topic control, turn-taking, nomination and
termination, will be used to maintain the connection
in order to successfully impart the message and
achieve the purpose of communication.
FACTORS AFFECTED BY A SHIFT
IN SPEECH CONTEXT, SPEECH
STYLE, SPEECH ACT, AND
COMMUNICATIVE STRATEGY
LANGUAGE FORM
• Formal language is used when talking with professionals or
persons in authority in a formal, official or ceremonial
occasion, situation, gathering or event. Talking with a
lawyer, a doctor or even with your teacher often creates a
formal ambiance in communication.
• Informal language, on the other hand, is used without
much consideration to rules of convention or etiquette. It is
casual and mostly not well-thought-of or prepared because
it is used to communicate with people with whom you have
close association with like parents, siblings and friends.
DURATION OF INTERACTION

• This refers to the amount of time a

conversation takes between and
among communicators.
RELATIONSHIP OF SPEAKER
• This refers to the speech style used by
the speaker suited to his/her relationship
to the person with whom he/she is
communicating. Styles can be classified
as intimate, frozen, consultative, casual
or formal.
INTIMATE STYLE
• The speaker talks to family members,
best friends or romantic partners. This may
comprise private conversations or personal
interactions.
FROZEN
• The speaker addresses an audience in a
formal gathering such as ceremonial
events, Eucharistic celebrations or even
court hearings. The style is “set” or “fixed”
and thus, it rarely or never changes.
Audience feedback is not required.
CONSULTATIVE
• the speaker communicates with a person
whom he/she may have to clarify things,
discuss a problem, or seek advice.
CASUAL
• The speaker shares close and personal
information with friends, classmates or
colleagues. This ordinarily occurs in
everyday life
FORMAL
• The speaker has to deliver a pre-planned
or written speech to address a crowd of
people such as giving opening remarks
during a seminar, or the president
making a public announcement or
delivering SONA.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY OF SPEAKER
The speaker may be a person who gives information
and additional knowledge to another person or an
audience, someone who convinces others for a cause
or an individual who provokes laughter for diversion
and fun. Hence, his responsibility depends on his
purpose for communication which may be inform, to
persuade, or to entertain
MESSAGE
This involves the content of the message. The
message may be facts, opinion, feelings, order,
suggestions, and questions.
DELIVERY
This refers to the manner of delivery involving verbal and non-
verbal cues made by the speaker. Delivery can be classified as:
 extemporaneous speaking - with limited preparation and
guided by notes or outline.
 impromptu speaking - without advanced preparation or
unrehearsed speech.
memorized - planned and rehearsed speech.
manuscript - reading aloud a written message.