THE SPEECH STYLES

It is human nature to express thoughts and emotions. Thus, many speeches or forms of
communication in spoken language, made by a speaker before an audience, have
been created. Speeches are more formal than talking or usual conversations. They
are primarily delivered to leave a remarkable message.

This lesson helps you improve your communication skills by providing you the socially
acceptable ways in delivering your speech. Explore the types of speech style for
creating better relationships.

MOTIVATION:
Watch the video and answer the following questions afterward.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8vReAUspSk
GUIDE QUESTIONS:
• What are the different speech styles?
• Why is it important to know the different speech styles?
INSTRUCTION:

According to Martin Joos (1976:156), speech style here means the form of
language that the speaker uses which characterized by the degree of formality.
He identified the styles in five classes such as frozen style, formal style,
consultative style, casual style, and intimate style. There are different types of
speech styles, the following are frozen, intimate, formal, casual, and consultative
speeches.
THE DIFFERENT SPEECH STYLES
 FROZEN STYLE
It is the most formal communicative style that is usually used during respectful
events and ceremonies. It also used when one shows hesitation, disinterest or
prejudice. Frozen speech is used generally in a very formal setting, does not
require any feedback from the audience, and is the most formal
communicative style for respectful situations.

According to Joss (1976:156) frozen style is a style, which is intended to be

remembered and used in very formal setting such as in palace, church ritual,
speech for state ceremony, and some other occasions.

This style involves very large group of people whose members are not known to
one another. However, this style is not only addressed to strangers at that time
but also to posterity as well.

Nevertheless, the reader or the hearers are not permitted giving question to the
speakers. This usually uses long sentence with good grammatical and
vocabulary.

For example: “I should be glad to be informed of the correct time.” Joos,

(1976:154)

EXAMPLE: Pledges, anthems, marriage ceremonies, laws, etc.

 INTIMATE STYLE

For very close relationships like couples, family, and best friends. It is also used for
self-addressed questions or self-talk, etc. Intimate speech is used in conversation
between people who are very close and know each other quite well because
they have the maximum of shared background information.

EXAMPLES: Couple talking about their future plans, family sharing ideas, very
close friends sharing secrets, etc.

WATCH THE VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzziwT-DVpM

FORMAL SPEECH STYLE

Formal speeches are straightforward speeches. In this speech style, the speaker
avoids using slang terminologies. What the speaker says is something that has
been prepared beforehand, its complex sentence and noun phrases are well
structured, logically sequenced and strongly coherent.

According to Joos (1976:156) formal style is generally used in formal situation,

where there is the least amount of shared background and the communication
in this style is largely one way with little or no feedback from the audience, for
example, in graduation ceremony.

However, it may also be used in speaking to single hearer, for example, in

between strangers. In fact, formal style is designed to inform and the
background information is woven into text in complex sentences.

EXAMPLES: Announcements, SONA, welcome addresses, etc.

WATCH THE VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIwU-9ZTTJc

CASUAL SPEECH STYLE

This is an informal communication between groups and peers. Casual style is

used in conversation between friends and insiders who have something to share
and have shared background information but don’t have close relations.

EXAMPLES: phone calls, everyday conversation with friends, chats, etc.

 CONSULTATIVE SPEECH STYLE

This is used in semi-formal communication. In this style, sentences tend to be

shorter and spontaneous, the speaker does not usually plan what he/she wants
to say, and it is the most operational among others. Consultative style is a style
used in semi-formal communication.

According to Martin Joos (1976:154) consultative style is about coming to terms

with strangers who speak same language but whose personal stock of
information may be different. Consultative style happens in two-way
participation. It is the most operational among the other styles.

It is used in negotiating with the strangers or work colleagues. It is also used in

small group discussion, regular conversation at school, companies, trade
conversation and etc. The speaker has to deliver background information about
a topic, as understanding would be difficult without it.

EXAMPLES: regular classroom discussions, doctor-patient, etc.

Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hltAkwwIeeI