Formal and Frozen Speech

Styles
What are the differences between the formal and
the frozen speech styles?
On a piece of paper, respond to the following prompters by
adding the missing essential information.
a. When delivering an informative speech, I need to
_____________________.
b. In writing academic papers, factors such as
___________________________ must be taken into consideration.
c. The National Anthem, Panatang Makabayan, and school
hymns use language that
______________________________________________________________.
 Review
What kind of words do we use in consultative
conversations?

Who do we converse with using the consultative speech

style?

What factors do we need to consider before using the

consultative speech style?
 Formal Speech Style

● Lack of listener participation

● Often used in formal situations wherein there is only one-way
communication
● The speaker needs to plan ahead his or her utterances, or what
he or she is going to say.
a. Interruptions are not allowed.
b. Pronunciation is very clear.
c. Words are carefully chosen, and grammar rules are followed.
d. Sentence structures are more complex and varied.
e. Extensive and technical vocabulary is required.
f. Ideas are cohesive and organized.
g. All background or necessary information is clearly given.
● Also used in sermons, speeches, and
announcements
● Also the style that is used for academic and
business writing
Twain claims in his essay that the humorous story was
created in America, largely through oral tradition rather
than written. However, neither the oral tradition nor the
concept of a shared humorous story is unique to the West;
in fact, folk tales and legends filled with humor existed in
Asia long before the colonizers arrived.
 Frozen Speech Style

● Also called the oratorical style

● The most formal style and is reserved for very formal
situations such as in religious services, state affairs, and court
proceedings
● Used to address or is given before an audience of absolute
strangers
● Uses prescribed and highly formal language
a. It uses “frozen” language.
b. It has a symbolic or historical nature.
c. It is typically prescribed by law, custom, or ritual.
d. It involves certain fixed or stock expressions that are
rarely or never altered or changed.
 Dearest Lord,
teach me to be generous;
teach me to serve you as you deserve;
to give and not to count the cost,
to fight and not to heed the wounds,
to toil and not to seek for rest,
to labour and not to ask for reward
save that of knowing I am doing your will.
Fill in the blanks with the missing word or phrase.

A. The formal speech style

1. What distinguishes the formal speech style from the
consultative style is the lack of ____________________.
2. A formal style is often used in formal situations where there
is only ___________ communication.
3. Extensive and technical ______________ is required.
4. Ideas are cohesive and ______________.
5. This is also the style that is used for _____________ and
business writing.
 B. The frozen speech style
1. The frozen speech style, also called the ______________ style, is
the most formal style and is reserved for very formal
situations.
2. This style is used to address or is given before an audience of
absolute ______________.
3. It uses prescribed and highly ______________, such as in official
or historical documents and literary texts.
4. It has a symbolic or ______________ nature.
5. It involves certain fixed or stock ______________ that are rarely
or never altered or change.
Write “FoS” if the communication situation indicated would make
use of the formal speech style. Write “FrS” if the communication
situation indicated would make use of the frozen speech style.
Write “NFS” if a different speech style would be more appropriate.

1. A congregation reciting the “Apostle’s Creed”

2. A CEO giving a talk about ethical business practices
3. A researcher presenting his findings to the board of directors
4. A teacher giving a student one-on-one help after class
5. A representative of an animal welfare organization giving a speech
about cruelty-free beauty products
6. Members of a college organization giving their oath to
adhere to the organization’s values, mission, and vision
7. A panelist answering questions at the end of a
conference
8. A talk show host interviewing a guest
9. A religious novice reciting her vows in the ceremony to
become a full-fledged sister
10. A travel writer sharing her most recent overseas experiences
at the launch of her new book
 Values Integration

How does knowing about formal and frozen speech

styles help you be a better communicator and listener in
official settings such as school events and religious
ceremonies?
With your group, come up with a full communication situation
based on the speech style assigned to you. Remember to create
a situation with an audience, topic, purpose, and location.
a. Formal Speech Style: Write an informative speech on an
academic topic of your choice.
b. Frozen Speech Style: Write a script for a three-minute skit
based on your communication situation.

Be mindful of your word choices. Submit your speeches/scripts

to your teacher for evaluation. They will be returned with
feedback, and you will be given time to rewrite.
 Assignment
1. Find two video clips in English.
a. One is a clip from a speech or TED talk available online.
b. One should be a clip of an official oath-taking or religious
ceremony.
2. Write down the names of the clips, with pertinent information if
available:
a. The speaker/organization featured
b. The event in which the speech happened
c. The date and time when the event in the clip occurred
3. Transcribe the scenes.
 Assignment
4. Write a short essay (10-15 sentences) for each scene, detailing
why each one is an example of formal/frozen speech style. Be guided by
the following questions:
a. Who are involved in the communication situation?
b. Where is it taking place?
c. What are the speaker(s) communicating?
d. What kind of words are they using (i.e. technical terms, archaic
language, etc.)? Give specific examples.
5. Write your transcriptions and essays on a sheet of
intermediate pad paper or print them out on short bond paper with the
standard formatting.
6. After submission and evaluation, your teacher may call on
some students to share their work in class.