Types of Speech Context

1. Intrapersonal – This refers to communication that centers on one person where the speaker acts both as the sender
and the receiver of message. “The message is made up of your thoughts and feelings. The channel is your brain, which
processes what you are thinking and feeling. There is feedback in the sense that as you talk to yourself, you discard
certain ideas and replace them with others.” (Hybels & Weaver, 2012, p 16)
Examples:
• You spent the night thinking and analyzing why a student from the other class talked to you on the way home and
you decided it probably meant nothing.
• You felt happy while thinking about how your teacher appreciated you for submitting your project before the due
date and you reflected on why this was so.

2. Interpersonal – This refers to communication between and among people and establishes personal relationship
between and among them. Solomon and Theiss (2013) state that “the inter part of the word highlights how interpersonal
communication connects people… when you engage in interpersonal communication, you and another person become
linked together… The personal part means that your unique qualities as a person matter during interpersonal
communication…” (p. 5)

Dyad Communication – communication that occurs between two people

Example:
• You offered feedback on the speech performance of your classmate.
• You provided comfort to a friend who was feeling down

Small Group – This refers to communication that involves at least three but not more than twelve people engaging in a
face-to-face interaction to achieve a desired goal. In this type of communication, all participants can freely share ideas in a
loose and open discussion.
Example:
• You are participating in an organizational meeting which aims to address the concerns of your fellow students.
• You are having a discussion with your group mates on how to finish the assigned tasks.

3. Public – This type refers to communication that requires you to deliver or send the message before or in front of a
group. The message can be driven by informational or persuasive purposes. “In public communication, unlike in
interpersonal and small group, the channels are more exaggerated. The voice is louder and the gestures are more
expansive because the audience is bigger. The speaker might use additional visual channels such as slides or a Power
Point presentation.” (Hybels & Weaver, 2012, p 19)
Example:
• You deliver a graduation speech to your batch.
• You participate in a declamation, oratorical, or debate contest watched by a number of people.

4. Mass Communication – This refers to communication that takes place through television, radio, newspapers,
magazines,
books, billboards, internet, and other types of media.
Example:
• You are a student journalist articulating your stand on current issues through the school’s newspaper.

Types of Speech Style

The context dictates and affects the way people communicate, which results in various speech
styles. According to Joos (1968), there are five speech styles. These are (1) intimate, (2) casual, (3) consultative, (4)
formal, and (5) frozen. Each style dictates what appropriate language or vocabulary should be used or observed.

1. Intimate – This style is private, which occurs between or among close family members or individuals. The language
used in this style may not be shared in public.
2. Casual – This style is common among peers and friends. Jargon, slang, or the vernacular language are used.
3. Consultative – This style is the standard one. Professional or mutually acceptable language is a must in this style.
Examples of situations are communication between teachers and students, employers and employees, doctor and patient,
judge and lawyer, or President and his/her constituents.
4. Formal – This style is used in formal settings. Unlike the consultative style, this is one-way. Examples are sermons by
priests and ministers, State of the Nation Address of the President, formal speeches, or pronouncements by judges.
5. Frozen – This style is “frozen” in time and remains unchanged. It mostly occurs in ceremonies. Common examples are
the Preamble to the Constitution, Lord’s Prayer, and Allegiance to country or flag.