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The 4 Main Types of Speaking Styles (& How to Master Them All)

Have you ever compared your speaking style with famous presenters like Steve Jobs or Jill Bolte? These people know how to adopt the right speaking style for every occasion.

Speaking style is a collection of characteristics that can relate speech to a particular communication setting. Every word we speak is a form of communication, whether directly or otherwise.

When people speak, their speech goes with a style. Hence, the way one person speaks differs from that of another person.

However, always speaking in a particular style is not required. In fact, that relies on the context, the subject, and the listener.

One time in a workshop, a presenter spoke in a way he felt was effective, but he didn't know it wouldn't work for the students in the class . Before the end of the class, half of the seats were empty, while the rest mumbled.

He learned the right speaking style the hard way, but you don't have to. Thus, gather more experience before accepting an invitation as a speaker or venturing fully into your public speaking career .

The 4 Main Types of Speaking Styles

There is an unlimited speaking style for every occasion. For example, the way you speak at a wedding is different from the way you will speak in the church.

Although you can use different styles on one occasion, it is still advisable to use various speaking styles.

One of the most exciting parts of public speaking is watching other people. As you watch others speak, you will understand that you can effectively communicate a message in various ways.

As previously stated, to discover your unique style of speaking, you must first determine which style speaks to you.

We've broken down the most basic types of speaking styles below to enable you to read through and decide which style is ideal for you.

1. The Motivational Style

A motivational speaker exhibits a variety of characteristics. It all swings to the following three things: tone, speed, and energy . A speaker who has perfected these elements is more likely to be a successful motivational speaker.

Any competent motivating speaker can energize the crowd. The goal is to inspire and captivate the listeners.

These three elements are explained below.

Tone: A motivational speech cannot be delivered in a flat tone. You must add a sense of mystery and drama through voice diversity.

Nothing is more annoying than a boring motivational speaker. Always remember to put your stamp on whatever you say and represent.

Pace: Your tempo influences how enthusiastic your audience will be. Speaking quickly frequently increases the enthusiasm of the audience.

However, you must be cautious not to overuse this technique . It may become tiresome if you continuously talk fast, and the listener will not keep up.

Energy: Another of the most important aspects of motivational speaking is energy. You wish to be upbeat and optimistic in your speech.

If you deliver an energy-filled performance or speech, your audience will remember you and become more eager to hear more of what you have to say.

2. The Command Style: Speak Firmly and Respectfully

You may occasionally need to convey your message with seriousness; thus, how you do so must be appropriate.

You should be able to persuade your listeners of the importance of what you have to say. People respect you more when you can control a room effectively.

You might also like: How to Speak with Conviction

Speaking about important matters is more suitable with the command style. This can include speaking in the presence of significant individuals or on touchy subjects. Exercising vocal control should be done correctly.

A powerful speech may be delivered effectively by speaking more slowly and with a lower tone. Making deliberate, smooth movements also enhances the whole experience.

Keep in mind that you must not stick to one style throughout your presentation.

While it is necessary to make this the dominating emotion of your speech, you can switch to motivating or some other style of speaking to make the style and pace different enough to engage your audience .

3. The Facilitating Style: Shake It Up

The motivational speaking and the facilitating speaking style are quite similar. What is the major distinction? Getting the crowd into action.

This style of speaking engages the audience completely. It might be difficult, though, because you must be quite knowledgeable about your subject matter. You never know what someone could ask when you open the floor.

The facilitator spends more time listening than speaking. They spend time crafting their messages and occasionally forget that communication requires reciprocity.

People have the chance to work with you on the collaborative exchange of ideas in the facilitator style. It involves speaking softly, using softer moves, and expressing warmth with your facial expressions and voice.

The most crucial thing to remember is that your daily speech patterns are just habits. Your options are not fully open. You have a lot to give people, so be sure to broaden your horizons, find your style, and be open to changing your speaking style to best suit your audience, including your message.

4. The Entertaining Style

An entertaining speaker wins over the audience—the ideal decision is to break up the usual melancholy and repetitive delivery.

A more energetic personality is best suited for this style. You must relax and take control of your surroundings. Similar to how this kind of speaker moves, they usually have a more approachable tone.

They exude a sense of comfort, which will, in turn, enables the listeners to feel at ease. The presentation exudes a lighthearted air that makes everyone more relaxed.

The assumption is that all you need to do to be successful is to be funny . This frequently results in speakers cramming jokes in their speeches, which takes attention away from their primary point and may come out as forced. You can watch these positive body gestures to improve your speech.

Conclusion: Mastering the Speaking Styles

You should be able to see that there's something distinctive to contribute to the audience after looking through these many speaking styles.

Many renowned speakers dominate the market, yet none of these people has the qualities that you do.

Therefore, find the mix or style that suits you the best. Farther than that, practice is the key to fluency. The first approach to honing your skill is to become aware of your speaking style.

Best wishes to you.

Learn The Types

Learn About Different Types of Things and Unleash Your Curiosity

Types of Speeches: A Guide to Different Styles and Formats

Speeches are a powerful way to communicate ideas, inspire people, and create change. There are many different types of speeches, each with its own unique characteristics and formats. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common types of speeches and how to prepare and deliver them effectively.

1. Informative Speech

An informative speech is designed to educate the audience on a particular topic. The goal is to provide the audience with new information or insights and increase their understanding of the topic. The speech should be well-researched, organized, and delivered in a clear and engaging manner.

2. Persuasive Speech

A persuasive speech is designed to convince the audience to adopt a particular viewpoint or take action. The goal is to persuade the audience to agree with the speaker’s perspective and take action based on that belief. The speech should be well-researched, organized, and delivered in a passionate and compelling manner.

3. Entertaining Speech

An entertaining speech is designed to entertain the audience and create a memorable experience. The goal is to engage the audience and make them laugh, cry, or think deeply about a particular topic. The speech can be humorous, inspirational, or emotional and should be delivered in a lively and engaging manner.

4. Special Occasion Speech

A special occasion speech is designed for a specific event or occasion, such as a wedding, graduation, or retirement party. The goal is to celebrate the occasion and honor the people involved. The speech should be personal, heartfelt, and delivered in a sincere and respectful manner.

5. Impromptu Speech

An impromptu speech is delivered without any preparation or planning. The goal is to respond quickly and effectively to a particular situation or question. The speech should be delivered in a clear and concise manner and address the topic at hand.

In conclusion, speeches are an important way to communicate ideas, inspire people, and create change. By understanding the different types of speeches and their unique characteristics and formats, individuals can prepare and deliver successful speeches that are engaging, informative, and memorable.

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11 The Importance of Language and Style

Learning objectives.

• Understand the importance of language.
• Explain the difference between denotative and connotative meaning.
• Understand the techniques of approprate and effective language use.

Believe Creative – Abraham Lincoln – head & shoulders portrait – CC BY 2.0.

Ask any professional speaker or speechwriter, and they will tell you that language matters. In fact, some of the most important and memorable lines in American history came from speeches given by American presidents:

It is true that you may fool all the people some of the time; you can even fool some of the people all the time; but you can’t fool all of the people all the time (McClure, 1904). Abraham Lincoln

Speak softly and carry a big stick (Roosevelt, 1901). Theodore Roosevelt

The only thing we have to fear is fear itself (Roosevelt, 1933). Franklin Delano Roosevelt

Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country (Kennedy, 1961). John F. Kennedy

We lose ourselves when we compromise the very ideals that we fight to defend. And we honor those ideals by upholding them not when it’s easy, but when it is hard (Obama, 2009). Barack Obama

You don’t have to be a president or a famous speaker to use language effectively. So in this chapter, we’re going to explore the importance of language. First, we will discuss the difference between oral and written language, then we will talk about some basic guidelines for using language, and lastly, we’ll look at six key elements of language.

Oral versus Written Language

Clemsonunivlibrary – group meeting – CC BY-NC 2.0.

When we use the word “language,” we are referring to the words you choose to use in your speech. Therefore, by definition, our focus is on spoken language. Spoken language has always existed prior to written language. Wrench, McCroskey, and Richmond suggested that if you think about the human history of language as a twelve-inch ruler, written language or recorded language has only existed for the “last quarter of an inch” (Wrench, et al., 2008). Furthermore, of the more than six thousand languages that are spoken around the world today, only a few of them use a written alphabet (Lewis, 2009). To help us understand the importance of language, we will first look at the basic functions of language and then delve into the differences between oral and written language.

Basic Functions of Language

Language is any formal system of gestures, signs, sounds, and symbols used or conceived as a means of communicating thought. As mentioned above, there are over six thousand language schemes currently in use around the world. The language spoken by the greatest number of people on the planet is Mandarin; other widely spoken languages are English, Spanish, and Arabic (Lewis, 2009). Language is ultimately important because it is the primary means through which humans can communicate and interact with one another. Some linguists go so far as to suggest that the acquisition of language skills is the primary advancement that enabled our prehistoric ancestors to flourish and succeed over other hominid species (Mayell, 2003).

Language is any formal system of gestures, signs, sounds, and symbols used or conceived as a means of communicating thought.

In today’s world, effective use of language helps us in our interpersonal relationships at home and work. Using language effectively also will improve your ability to be an effective public speaker. Because language is an important aspect of public speaking that many students don’t spend enough time developing, we encourage you to take advantage of this chapter.

One of the first components necessary for understanding language is to understand how we assign meaning to words. Words consist of sounds (oral) and shapes (written) that have agreed-upon meanings based on concepts, ideas, and memories. When we write the word “blue,” we may be referring to a portion of the visual spectrum dominated by energy with a wavelength of roughly 440–490 nanometers. You could also say that the color in question is an equal mixture of both red and green light. While both of these are technically correct ways to interpret the word “blue,” we’re pretty sure that neither of these definitions is how you thought about the word. When hearing the word “blue,” you may have thought of your favorite color, the color of the sky on a spring day, or the color of an ugly car you saw in the parking lot. When people think about language, there are two different types of meanings that people must be aware of: denotative and connotative.

Denotative Meaning

Denotative meaning is the specific meaning associated with a word. We sometimes refer to denotative meanings as dictionary definitions. The definitions provided above for the word “blue” are examples of definitions that might be found in a dictionary. The first dictionary was written by Robert Cawdry in 1604 and was called Table Alphabeticall . This dictionary of the English language consisted of three thousand commonly spoken English words. Today, the Oxford English Dictionary contains more than 200,000 words (Oxford University Press, 2011).

Connotative Meaning

Connotative meaning is the idea suggested by or associated with a word. In addition to the examples above, the word “blue” can evoke many other ideas:

• State of depression (feeling blue)
• An indication of winning (a blue ribbon)
• Side during the Civil War (blues vs. grays)
• Sudden event (out of the blue)

We also associate the color blue with the sky and the ocean. Maybe your school’s colors or those of your archrival include blue. There are also various forms of blue: aquamarine, baby blue, navy blue, royal blue, and so on.

Some miscommunication can occur over denotative meanings of words. For example, one of the authors of this book recently received a flyer for a tennis center open house. The expressed goal was to introduce children to the game of tennis. At the bottom of the flyer, people were encouraged to bring their own racquets if they had them but that “a limited number of racquets will be available.” It turned out that the denotative meaning of the final phrase was interpreted in multiple ways: some parents attending the event perceived it to mean that loaner racquets would be available for use during the open house event, but the people running the open house intended it to say that parents could purchase racquets onsite. The confusion over denotative meaning probably hurt the tennis center, as some parents left the event feeling they had been misled by the flyer.

Although denotatively based misunderstanding such as this one does happen, the majority of communication problems involving language occur because of differing connotative meanings. You may be trying to persuade your audience to support public funding for a new professional football stadium in your city, but if mentioning the team’s or owner’s name creates negative connotations in the minds of audience members, you will not be very persuasive. The potential for misunderstanding based on connotative meaning is an additional reason why audience analysis is critically important. By conducting an effective audience analysis, you can know in advance how your audience might respond to the connotations of the words and ideas you present.

Connotative meanings can not only differ between individuals interacting at the same time but can also differ greatly across time periods and cultures. Ultimately, speakers should attempt to have a working knowledge of how their audiences could potentially interpret words and ideas to minimize the chance of miscommunication.

Denotative meaning is the specific meaning associated with a word. We sometimes refer to denotative meanings as dictionary definitions.

Connotative meaning   is the idea suggested by or associated with a word.

Twelve Ways Oral and Written Language Differ

A second important aspect to understand about language is that oral language (used in public speaking) and written language (used for texts) does not function in the same way. Try a brief experiment. Take a textbook, maybe even this one, and read it out loud. When the text is read aloud, does it sound conversational? Probably not. Public speaking, on the other hand, should sound like a conversation. McCroskey, Wrench, and Richmond highlighted the following twelve differences that exist between oral and written language:

• Oral language has a smaller variety of words.
• Oral language has words with fewer syllables.
• Oral language has shorter sentences.
• Oral language has more self-reference words ( I , me , mine ).
• Oral language has fewer quantifying terms or precise numerical words.
• Oral language has more pseudoquantifying terms ( many , few , some ).
• Oral language has more extreme and superlative words ( none , all , every , always , never ).
• Oral language has more qualifying statements (clauses beginning with unless and except ).
• Oral language has more repetition of words and syllables.
• Oral language uses more contractions.
• Oral language has more interjections (“Wow!,” “Really?,” “No!,” “You’re kidding!”).
• Oral language has more colloquial and nonstandard words (McCroskey, et al., 2003).

These differences exist primarily because people listen to and read information differently. First, when you read information, if you don’t grasp content the first time, you have the ability to reread a section. When we are listening to information, we do not have the ability to “rewind” life and relisten to the information. Second, when you read information, if you do not understand a concept, you can look up the concept in a dictionary or online and gain the knowledge. However,  oral communication should be simple enough to be easily understood at the moment by a specific audience, without additional study or information.

Using Language Effectively

Kimba Howard – megaphone – CC BY 2.0.

When considering how to use language effectively in your speech, consider the degree to which the language is appropriate, vivid, inclusive, and familiar. The next sections define each of these aspects of language and discuss why each is important in public speaking.

Use Appropriate Language

As with anything in life, there are positive and negative ways of using language. One of the first concepts a speaker needs to think about when looking at language use is appropriateness. By appropriate , we mean whether the language is suitable or fitting for ourselves, as the speaker, our audience, the speaking context, and the speech itself.

Appropriate for the Speaker

One of the first questions to ask yourself is whether the language you plan on using in a speech fits with your speaking pattern. Not all language choices are appropriate for all speakers. The language you select should be suitable for you, not someone else. If you’re a first-year college student, there’s no need to force yourself to sound like an astrophysicist even if you are giving a speech on new planets. One of the biggest mistakes novice speakers make is thinking that they have to use million-dollar words because it makes them sound smarter. Actually, million-dollar words don’t tend to function well in oral communication, so using them will probably make you uncomfortable as a speaker. Also, it may be difficult for you or the audience to understand the nuances of meaning when you use such words, so using them can increase the risk of denotative or connotative misunderstandings.

Appropriate for the Audience

The second aspect of appropriateness asks whether the language you are choosing is appropriate for your specific audience. Let’s say that you’re an engineering student. If you’re giving a presentation in an engineering class, you can use language that other engineering students will know. On the other hand, if you use that engineering vocabulary in a public speaking class, many audience members will not understand you. As another example, if you are speaking about the Great Depression to an audience of young adults, you can’t assume they will know the meaning of terms like “New Deal” and “WPA,” which would be familiar to an audience of senior citizens. In other chapters of this book, we have explained the importance of audience analysis; once again, audience analysis is a key factor in choosing the language to use in a speech.

Appropriate for the Context

The next question about appropriateness is whether the language you will use is suitable or fitting for the context itself. The language you may employ if you’re addressing a student assembly in a high school auditorium will differ from the language you would use at a business meeting in a hotel ballroom. If you’re giving a speech at an outdoor rally, you cannot use the same language you would use in a classroom. Recall that the speaking context includes the occasion, the time of day, the mood of the audience, and other factors in addition to the physical location. Take the entire speaking context into consideration when you make the language choices for your speech.

Appropriate for the Topic

The fourth and final question about the appropriateness of language involves whether the language is appropriate for your specific topic. If you are speaking about the early years of The Walt Disney Company, would you want to refer to Walt Disney as a “thaumaturgic” individual (i.e., one who works wonders or miracles)? While the word “thaumaturgic” may be accurate, is it the most appropriate for the topic at hand? As another example, if your speech topic is the dual residence model of string theory, it makes sense to expect that you will use more sophisticated language than if your topic was a basic introduction to the physics.

Appropriate language is when the language is suitable or fitting for ourselves, as the speaker, our audience, the speaking context, and the speech itself.

Use Vivid Language

After appropriateness, the second main guideline for using language is to use vivid language. Vivid language helps your listeners create strong, distinct, clear, and memorable mental images. Good vivid language usage helps an audience member truly understand and imagine what a speaker is saying. Two common ways to make your speaking more vivid are through the use of imagery and rhythm.

  Vivid language helps your listeners create strong, distinct, clear, and memorable mental images.

Imagery is the use of language to represent objects, actions, or ideas. The goal of imagery is to help an audience member create a mental picture of what a speaker is saying. A speaker who uses imagery successfully will tap into one or more of the audience’s five basic senses (hearing, taste, touch, smell, and sight). Two common tools of imagery are concreteness and metaphor.

Concreteness

When we use language that is concrete , we attempt to help our audiences see specific realities or actual instances instead of abstract theories and ideas. The goal of concreteness is to help you, as a speaker, show your audience something instead of just telling them. Imagine you’ve decided to give a speech on the importance of freedom. You could easily stand up and talk about the philosophical work of Rudolf Steiner, who divided the ideas of freedom into freedom of thought and freedom of action. If you’re like us, even reading that sentence can make you want to go to sleep.

Instead of defining what those terms mean and discussing the philosophical merits of Steiner, you could use real examples where people’s freedom to think or freedom to behave has been stifled. For example, you could talk about how Afghani women under Taliban rule have been denied access to education, and how those seeking education have risked public flogging and even execution (Iacopino & Rasekh, 1998). You could further illustrate how Afghani women under the Taliban are forced to adhere to rigid interpretations of Islamic law that functionally limit their behavior. As illustrations of the two freedoms discussed by Steiner, these examples make things more concrete for audience members and thus easier to remember. Ultimately, the goal of concreteness is to show an audience something instead of talking about it abstractly.

The other commonly used form of imagery is the metaphor. A metaphor  is a figure of speech where a term or phrase is applied to something in a nonliteral way to suggest a resemblance. In the case of a metaphor, one of the comparison items is said to be the other (even though this is realistically not possible). Let’s look at a few examples:

• Love is a battlefield .
• Upon hearing the charges, the accused clammed up and refused to speak without a lawyer.
• Every year a new crop of activists are born .

In these examples, the comparison word has been italicized. In the second example, the accused “clams up,” which means that the accused refused to talk in the same way a clam’s shell closes. In the third example, we refer to activists as “crops” that arise anew with each growing season, and we use “born” figuratively to indicate that they come into being. We say this metaphor even though it is understood that people are not newborn infants at the time when they become activists.

To use a metaphor effectively, first determine what you are trying to describe. For example, maybe you are talking about a college catalog that offers a wide variety of courses. Second, identify what it is that you want to say about the object you are trying to describe. Depending on whether you want your audience to think of the catalog as good or bad, you’ll use different words to describe it. Lastly, identify the other object you want to compare the first one to, which should mirror the intentions in the second step. Let’s look at two possible metaphors:

• Students groped their way through the maze of courses in the catalog.
• Students feasted on the abundance of courses in the catalog.

While both of these examples evoke comparisons with the course catalog, the first example is more negative and the second is more positive.

One mistake people often make in using metaphors is to create two incompatible comparisons in the same sentence or line of thought. Here is an example:

• “That’s awfully thin gruel for the right wing to hang their hats on” (Nordquist, 2009).

This is known as a mixed metaphor, and it often has an incongruous or even hilarious effect. Unless you are aiming to entertain your audience with a fractured use of language, be careful to avoid mixed metaphors.

Our second guideline for vivid language use in a speech is to use rhythm. When most people think of rhythm, they immediately think about music. What they may not realize is that language is inherently musical.  Rhythm refers to the patterned, recurring variance of elements of sound or speech. Whether someone is striking a drum with a stick or standing in front of a group speaking, rhythm is an important aspect of human communication. Think about your favorite public speaker. If you analyze their speaking pattern, you’ll notice that there is a certain cadence to the speech. While much of this cadence is a result of the nonverbal components of speaking, some of the cadence comes from the language that is chosen as well. Let’s examine four types of rhythmic language: parallelism, repetition, alliteration, and assonance.

Parallelism

When listing items in a sequence, audiences will respond more strongly when those ideas are presented in a grammatically parallel fashion, which is referred to as parallelism . For example, look at the following two examples and determine which one sounds better to you:

• “Give me liberty, or I’d rather die.”
• “Give me liberty or give me death.”

Technically, you’re saying the same thing in both, but the second one has better rhythm, and this rhythm comes from the parallel construction of “give me.” The lack of parallelism in the first example makes the sentence sound disjointed and ineffective.

As we mentioned earlier in this chapter, one of the major differences between oral and written language is the use of repetition . Because speeches are communicated orally, audience members need to hear the core of the message repeated consistently. Repetition as a linguistic device is designed to help audiences become familiar with a short piece of the speech as they hear it over and over again. By repeating a phrase during a speech, you create a specific rhythm. Probably the most famous and memorable use of repetition within a speech is Martin Luther King Jr.’s use of “I have a dream” in his speech at the Lincoln Memorial on August 1963 during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. In that speech, Martin Luther King Jr. repeated the phrase “I have a dream” eight times to significant effect.

Alliteration

Another type of rhythmic language is alliteration. Alliteration  is repeating two or more words in a series that begin with the same consonant. In the Harry Potter novel series, the author uses alliteration to name the four wizards who founded Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry: Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw, and Salazar Slytherin. There are two basic types of alliteration: immediate juxtaposition and nonimmediate juxtaposition. Immediate juxtaposition occurs when the consonants clearly follow one after the other—as we see in the Harry Potter example. Nonimmediate juxtaposition occurs when the consonants are repeated in nonadjacent words (e.g., “It is the p oison that we must p urge from our p olitics, the wall that we must tear down before the hour grows too late”) (Obama, 2008). Sometimes you can use examples of both immediate and nonimmediate juxtaposition within a single speech. The following example is from Bill Clinton’s acceptance speech at the 1992 Democratic National Convention: “Somewhere at this very moment, a child is b eing b orn in America. Let it be our cause to give that child a h appy h ome, a h ealthy family, and a h opeful future” (Clinton, 2005).

Assonance is similar to alliteration, but instead of relying on consonants, assonance gets its rhythm from repeating the same vowel sounds with different consonants in the stressed syllables. The phrase “how now brown cow,” which elocution students traditionally used to learn to pronounce rounded vowel sounds, is an example of assonance. While rhymes like “free as a breeze,” “mad as a hatter,” and “no pain, no gain” are examples of assonance, speakers should be wary of relying on assonance because when it is overused, it can quickly turn into bad poetry.

Imagery is  the use of language to represent objects, actions, or ideas.

Concrete language is language we use to help our audiences see specific realities or actual instances instead of abstract theories and ideas.

A metaphor is a figure of speech where a term or phrase is applied to something in a nonliteral way to suggest a resemblance.

Rhythm refers to the patterned, recurring variance of elements of sound or speech.

Parallelism is used when a speaker is listing items in a sequence using a grammatically parallel fashion.

Repetition   is designed to help audiences become familiar with a short piece of the speech as they hear it over and over again.

Alliteration is repeating two or more words in a series that begin with the same consonant.

Assonance  gets its rhythm from repeating the same vowel sounds with different consonants in the stressed syllables.

Use Inclusive Language

Language can either inspire your listeners or turn them off very quickly. One of the fastest ways to alienate an audience is through the use of noninclusive language. Inclusive language is language that avoids placing any one group of people above or below other groups while speaking.

Inclusive language is language that avoids placing any one group of people above or below other groups while speaking.

Let’s look at some common problem areas related to language about gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and disabilities.

Gender-Specific Language

The first common form of noninclusive language is language that privileges one of the sexes over the other. There are three common problem areas that speakers run into while speaking: using “he” as generic, using “man” to mean all humans, and gender-typing jobs.

Generic “He”

The generic “he” happens when a speaker labels all people within a group as “he” when in reality there is a mixed-sex group involved. Consider the statement, “Every morning when an officer of the law puts on his badge, he risks his life to serve and protect his fellow citizens.” In this case, we have a police officer that is labeled as male four different times in one sentence. However, both male and female police officers risk their lives when they put on their badges. A better way to word the sentence would be, “Every morning when officers of the law put on their badges, they risk their lives to serve and protect their fellow citizens.” Notice that in the better sentence, we made the subject plural (“officers”) and used neutral pronouns (“they” and “their”) to avoid the generic “he.”

Use of “Man”

Traditionally, speakers of English have used terms like “man,” “mankind,” and (in casual contexts) “guys” when referring to both females and males. In the second half of the twentieth century, as society became more aware of gender bias in language, organizations like the National Council of Teachers of English developed guidelines for nonsexist language (National Council of Teachers of English, 2002). For example, instead of using the word “man,” you could refer to the “human race.” Instead of saying, “hey, guys,” you could say, “OK, everyone.” By using gender-fair language, you will be able to convey your meaning just as well, and you won’t risk alienating parts of your audience.

Gender-Typed Jobs

The last common area where speakers get into trouble with gender and language has to do with job titles. It is not unusual for people to assume, for example, that doctors are male and nurses are female. As a result, they may say “she is a woman doctor” or “he is a male nurse” when mentioning someone’s occupation. We might say statements like this without realizing that the statements “she is a doctor” and “he is a nurse” already inform the listener as to the sex of the person holding that job. Speakers sometimes also use a gender-specific pronoun to refer to an occupation that has both males and females. Table 1: Gender Type Jobs lists some common gender-specific jobs titles along with more inclusive versions of those job titles.

Table 1: Gender Type Jobs

Ethnic Identity

Another type of inclusive language relates to the categories used to highlight an individual’s ethnic identity. Ethnic identity refers to a group of individuals who identify with each other based on a common culture. For example, within the United States, we have numerous ethnic groups, including Italian Americans, Irish Americans, Japanese Americans, Vietnamese Americans, Cuban Americans, and Mexican Americans. As with the earlier example of “male nurse,” avoid statements such as “The committee is made up of four women and a Vietnamese man.” Instead, say, “The committee is made up of four women and a man” or, if race and ethnicity are central to the discussion, “The committee is made up of three European American women, an Israeli American woman, a Brazilian American woman, and a Vietnamese American man.” In recent years, there has been a trend toward steering inclusive language away from broad terms like “Asians” and “Hispanics” because these terms are not considered precise labels for the groups they actually represent. If you want to be safe, the best thing you can do is ask a couple of people who belong to an ethnic group how they prefer to label themselves.

Sexual Orientation

Another area that can cause some problems is referred to as heterosexism. Heterosexism occurs when a speaker presumes that everyone in an audience is heterosexual or that opposite-sex relationships are the only norm. For example, a speaker might begin a speech by saying, “I am going to talk about the legal obligations you will have with your future husband or wife.” While this speech starts with the notion that everyone plans on getting married, which isn’t the case, it also assumes that everyone will label their significant others as either “husbands” or “wives.” Although some members of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community will use these terms, others prefer for more gender-neutral terms like “spouse” and “partner.”  Notice also that we have used the phrase “members of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community” instead of the more clinical-sounding term “homosexual.”

The last category of exclusive versus inclusive language that causes problems for some speakers relates to individuals with physical or mental disabilities. Table 2: Inclusive Language for Disabilities provides some other examples of exclusive versus inclusive language.

Table 2: Inclusive Language for Disabilities

Ethnic identity refers to a group of individuals who identify with each other based on a common culture.

Heterosexism occurs when a speaker presumes that everyone in an audience is heterosexual or that opposite-sex relationships are the only norm.

Clinton, W. J. (2005).  My life . New York, NY: Vintage Books, p. 421.

DeVito, J. A. (2009). The interpersonal communication book (12th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.

Iacopino, V., & Rasekh, Z. (1998).  The Taliban’s war on women: A health and human rights crisis in Afghanistan . Boston, MA: Physicians for Human Rights.

Kennedy, J. F. (1961, January 20). Inaugural address. Quoted in Bartlett, J. (1992). Bartlett’s familiar quotations (J. Kaplan, Ed.) (16th ed.). Boston, MA: Little, Brown, & Company, p. 741.

Lewis, M. P. (2009).  Ethnologue  (16th ed.). Retrieved from  http://www.ethnologue.com/ethno_docs/distribution.asp?by=size .

McClure, A. K. (1904). Lincoln’s yarns and stories: A complete collection of the funny and witty anecdotes that made Abraham Lincoln famous as America’s greatest story teller . Philadelphia, PA: The J. C. Winston Company. Quoted in Bartlett, J. (1992). Bartlett’s familiar quotations (J. Kaplan, Ed.) (16th ed.). Boston, MA: Little, Brown, & Company, p. 451.

Mayell, H. (2003, February). When did “modern” behavior emerge in humans?  National Geographic News . Retrieved from  http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2003/02/0220_030220_humanorigins2.html .

McCroskey, J. C., Wrench, J. S., & Richmond, V. P. (2003).  Principles of public speaking . Indianapolis, IN: The College Network.

National Council of Teachers of English (2002).  Guidelines for gender-fair use of language . Retrieved from  http://www.ncte.org/positions/statements/genderfairuseoflang .

Nordquist, R. (2009).  Mixed metaphor . Retrieved from About.com at  http://grammar.about.com/od/mo/g/mixmetterm.htm

Obama, B. (2008, January 20). The great need of the hour. Remarks delivered at Ebenezer Baptist Church, Atlanta. Retrieved from  http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2008/01/the_great_need_of_the_hour.html

Obama, B. (2009, December 10). Remarks at the acceptance of the Nobel Peace Prize. Retrieved from http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/remarks-president-acceptance-nobel-peace-prize

Roosevelt, F. D. (1933, March 4). Quoted in Bartlett, J. (1992). Bartlett’s familiar quotations (J. Kaplan, Ed.) (16th ed.). Boston, MA: Little, Brown, & Company, p. 648.

Roosevelt, T. (1901, September 2). Speech at Minnesota State Fair. Quoted in Bartlett, J. (1992). Bartlett’s familiar quotations (J. Kaplan, Ed.) (16th ed.). Boston, MA: Little, Brown, & Company, p. 575.

Oxford University Press. (2011). How many words are there in the English language? Retrieved from http://oxforddictionaries.com/page/howmanywords

Wrench, J. S., McCroskey, J. C., & Richmond, V. P. (2008). Human communication in everyday life: Explanations and applications . Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon, p. 304.

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• Types of speeches

The 4 types of speeches in public speaking

Informative, demonstrative, persuasive and special occasion.

By:  Susan Dugdale  

There are four main types of speeches or types of public speaking.

• Demonstrative
• Special occasion or Entertaining

To harness their power a speaker needs to be proficient in all of them: to understand which speech type to use when, and how to use it for maximum effectiveness.

What's on this page:

An overview of each speech type, how it's used, writing guidelines and speech examples:

• informative
• demonstrative
• special occasion/entertaining
• how, and why, speech types overlap

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Informative speeches

An informative speech does as its name suggests: informs. It provides information about a topic. The topic could be a place, a person, an animal, a plant, an object, an event, or a process.

The informative speech is primarily explanatory and educational.

Its purpose is not to persuade or influence opinion one way or the other. It is to provide sufficient relevant material, (with references to verifiable facts, accounts, studies and/or statistics), for the audience to have learned something. 

What they think, feel, or do about the information after they've learned it, is up to them.

This type of speech is frequently used for giving reports, lectures and, sometimes for training purposes. 

Examples of informative speech topics:

• the number, price and type of dwellings that have sold in a particular suburb over the last 3 months
• the history of the tooth brush
• how trees improves air quality in urban areas
• a brief biography of Bob Dylan
• the main characteristics of Maine Coon cats
• the 1945 US bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
• the number of, and the work of local philanthropic institutions
• the weather over the summer months
• the history of companion planting 
• how to set up a new password
• how to work a washing machine

Click this link if you'd like more informative topic suggestions .  You'll find hundreds of them.

And this link to find out more about the 4 types of informative speeches : definition, description, demonstration and explanation. (Each with an example outline and topic suggestions.)  

Demonstration, demonstrative or 'how to' speeches

A demonstration speech is an extension of an informative process speech. It's a 'how to' speech, combining informing with demonstrating.

The topic process, (what the speech is about), could either be demonstrated live or shown using visual aids.

The goal of a demonstrative speech is to teach a complete process step by step.

It's found everywhere, all over the world: in corporate and vocational training rooms, school classrooms, university lecture theatres, homes, cafes... anywhere where people are either refreshing or updating their skills. Or learning new ones.

Knowing to how give a good demonstration or 'how to' speech is a very valuable skill to have, one appreciated by everybody.

Examples of 'how to' speech topics are:

• how to braid long hair
• how to change a car tire
• how to fold table napkins
• how to use the Heimlich maneuver
• how to apply for a Federal grant
• how to fill out a voting form
• how to deal with customer complaints
• how to close a sale
• how to give medicine to your cat without being scratched to bits! 

Resources for demonstration speeches

1 . How to write a demonstration speech   Guidelines and suggestions covering:

• choosing the best topic : one aligning with your own interests, the audience's, the setting for the speech and the time available to you
• how to plan, prepare and deliver your speech - step by step guidelines for sequencing and organizing your material plus a printable blank demonstration speech outline for you to download and complete  
• suggestions to help with delivery and rehearsal . Demonstration speeches can so easily lurch sideways into embarrassment. For example: forgetting a step while demonstrating a cake recipe which means it won't turn out as you want it to. Or not checking you've got everything you need to deliver your speech at the venue and finding out too late, the very public and hard way, that the lead on your laptop will not reach the only available wall socket. Result. You cannot show your images.

2.  Demonstration speech sample outline   This is a fully completed outline of a demonstration speech. The topic is 'how to leave an effective voice mail message' and  the sample covers the entire step by step sequence needed to do that.

There's a blank printable version of the outline template to download if you wish and a YouTube link to a recording of the speech.

3.  Demonstration speech topics   4 pages of 'how to' speech topic suggestions, all of them suitable for middle school and up.

Persuasive speeches

The goal of a persuasive speech is to convince an audience to accept, or at the very least listen to and consider, the speaker's point of view.

To be successful the speaker must skillfully blend information about the topic, their opinion, reasons to support it and their desired course of action, with an understanding of how best to reach their audience.

Everyday examples of persuasive speeches

Common usages of persuasive speeches are:

• what we say when being interviewed for a job
• presenting a sales pitch to a customer
• political speeches - politicians lobbying for votes,
• values or issue driven speeches e.g., a call to boycott a product on particular grounds, a call to support varying human rights issues: the right to have an abortion, the right to vote, the right to breathe clean air, the right to have access to affordable housing and, so on.

Models of the persuasive process

The most frequently cited model we have for effective persuasion is thousands of years old.  Aristotle, the Greek philosopher, 384–322 BC , explained it as being supported by three pillars: ethos, pathos and logos. 

Briefly, ethos is the reliability and credibility of the speaker. How qualified or experienced are they talk on the topic? Are they trustworthy? Should we believe them? Why?

Pathos is the passion, emotion or feeling you, the speaker, bring to the topic. It's the choice of language you use to trigger an emotional connection linking yourself, your topic and the audience together, in a way that supports your speech purpose.

(We see the echo of Pathos in words like empathy: the ability to understand and share the feels of another, or pathetic: to arouse feelings of pity through being vulnerable and sad.)

Logos is related to logic. Is the information we are being presented logical and rational? Is it verifiable? How is it supported? By studies, by articles, by endorsement from suitably qualified and recognized people?

To successfully persuade all three are needed. For more please see this excellent article:  Ethos, Pathos, Logos: 3 Pillars of Public Speaking and Persuasion 

Monroe's Motivated Sequence of persuasion

Another much more recent model is Monroe's Motivated Sequence based on the psychology of persuasion.

It consists of five consecutive steps: attention, need, satisfaction, visualization and action and was developed in the 1930s by American Alan H Monroe, a lecturer in communications at Purdue University. The pattern is used extensively in advertising, social welfare and health campaigns.

Resources for persuasive speeches

1.   How to write a persuasive speech Step by step guidelines covering:

• speech topic selection
• setting speech goals
• audience analysis
• empathy and evidence
• balance and obstacles
• 4 structural patterns to choose from

2. A persuasive speech sample outline using Monroe's Motivated Sequence

3. An example persuasive speech written using Monroe's Motivated Sequence  

4.  Persuasive speech topics : 1032+ topic suggestions which includes 105 fun persuasive ideas , like the one below.☺ 

Special occasion or entertaining speeches

The range of these speeches is vast: from a call 'to say a few words' to delivering a lengthy formal address.

This is the territory where speeches to mark farewells, thanksgiving, awards, birthdays, Christmas, weddings, engagements and anniversaries dwell, along with welcome, introduction and thank you speeches, tributes, eulogies and commencement addresses. 

In short, any speech, either impromptu or painstakingly crafted, given to acknowledge a person, an achievement, or an event belongs here.

You'll find preparation guidelines, as well as examples of many special occasion speeches on my site.

Resources for special occasion speeches

How to prepare:

• an acceptance speech , with an example acceptance speech 
• a birthday speech , with ongoing links to example 18th, 40th and 50th birthday speeches
• an office party Christmas speech , a template with an example speech
• an engagement party toast , with 5 examples
• a eulogy or funeral speech , with a printable eulogy planner and access to 70+ eulogy examples
• a farewell speech , with an example (a farewell speech to colleagues)
• a golden (50th) wedding anniversary speech , with an example speech from a husband to his wife
• an impromptu speech , techniques and templates for impromptu speaking, examples of one minute impromptu speeches with a printable outline planner, plus impromptu speech topics for practice
• an introduction speech for a guest speaker , with an example
• an introduction speech for yourself , with an example
• a maid of honor speech for your sister , a template, with an example
• a retirement speech , with an example from a teacher leaving to her students and colleagues
• a student council speech , a template, with an example student council president, secretary and treasurer speech
• a Thanksgiving speech , a template, with an example toast
• a thank you speech , a template, with an example speech expressing thanks for an award, also a business thank you speech template
• a tribute (commemorative) speech , with a template and an example speech
• a welcome speech for an event , a template, an example welcome speech for a conference, plus a printable welcome speech planner
• a welcome speech for new comers to a church , a template with an example speech
• a welcome speech for a new member to the family , a template with an example

Speech types often overlap

Because speakers and their speeches are unique, (different content, purposes, and audiences...), the four types often overlap. While a speech is generally based on one principal type it might also have a few of the features belonging to any of the others. 

For example, a speech may be mainly informative but to add interest, the speaker has used elements like a demonstration of some sort, persuasive language and the brand of familiar humor common in a special occasion speech where everybody knows each other well.

The result is an informative 'plus' type of speech. A hybrid! It's a speech that could easily be given by a long serving in-house company trainer to introduce and explain a new work process to employees.  

Related pages:

• how to write a good speech . This is a thorough step by step walk through, with examples, of the general speech writing process. It's a great place to start if you're new to writing speeches. You'll get an excellent foundation to build on.
• how to plan a speech - an overview of ALL the things that need to be considered before preparing an outline, with examples
• how to outline a speech - an overview, with examples, showing how to structure a speech, with a free printable blank speech outline template to download
• how to make and use cue cards  - note cards for extemporaneous speeches 
• how to use props (visual aids)    

And for those who would like their speeches written for them:

• commission me to write for you

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Formal Speech Style Examples

Formal speech is used in professional settings, such as business meetings, presentations and job interviews; it’s important to stay aware of your audience when using a formal style of speaking . This article will explain the various types of formal speech style examples available and how they should be used.

If you are looking to improve your formal speech, you’re in the right place! Read on to learn more about formal speech style and how it can be used in the right situations.

4 Main Formal Speech Style Examples

Formal speech is by far the most common type of speech you will encounter in your life. In a formal setting, it is crucial to ensure that your language and speech delivery are appropriate for the situation. Here some examples of formal speech style:

1. Using the active voice

The active voice is when the subject of the sentence performs an action. This makes the sentence simpler to understand and is a common choice when speaking formally. For example: “I took out the trash.” or “The board approved the proposal.”.

This is important because it helps to ensure that your message is clear, and avoids any confusion.

2. Avoiding slang and colloquialisms

Slang and colloquialisms should be avoided when speaking formally in order to present information professionally. Instead of using informal words such as “gonna” or “wanna”, use words that are standard English such as “going to” or “want to”.

3. Using precise language to express ideas

4. correctly using grammar in written form.

In a formal setting, it is especially important to use proper grammar and punctuation – this shows that you are knowledgeable and professional. It’s worth taking the time to double-check your work before submitting it or presenting it to ensure everything is correct.

The 5 Different Types of Speech Styles

How to prepare and deliver a great memorized speech, an easy guide to all 15 types of speech, why is formal speech important.

Formal language can also help create a more professional atmosphere which can be beneficial if you want to come across in a positive light. Additionally, using formal language demonstrates that you have good command of the English language and are knowledgeable on a subject matter – both of which can help you stand out from the crowd!

Understanding how to effectively communicate in a formal setting will show your audience that you are confident and capable, and can help you to make an impactful impression.

Note: The formal speech examples provided in the above table are hypothetical examples and may not reflect the specific language used in real-life situations. Additionally, the language used in formal speech can vary depending on the specific cultural and social norms of a given setting.

What are examples of formal and informal speech?

Formal speech is typically characterized by precise language, correct grammar and punctuation, respect for other individuals, and an overall professional atmosphere. Examples of formal speech include business meetings, lectures, interviews, presentations and speeches. 

What are the two examples of formal writing?

Two examples of formal writing are business letters and academic essays. Business letters should adhere to a specific format and be written in a professional tone, using appropriate language and grammar. 

In conclusion, formal speech is an important skill that everyone should strive to master. Being able to effectively communicate in a professional manner will serve you well whether you are delivering a presentation or engaging in everyday conversations. By following the tips outlined above, you’ll be sure to impress those around you with your confident and polished speaking style !

Similar Posts

9 basic elements of a great persuasive speech, 15 ideas to make a speech unique, memorable & inspiring, how to outline a speech – easy 4-stage strategy, body language and gestures – 5 great tips for more effective presentations, what makes a good presentation for a job interview 7 tips, top 41 famous speeches in history.

Formal Vs Informal Speeches: An A-Z Guide

Hrideep barot.

• Public Speaking , Speech Writing , Workplace Communication

A speech is either formal or informal. Meaning, it can either be a formal address delivered to an audience or the daily use of grammar and words to communicate. The only purpose of either of those speeches is to put across a message well enough to invoke the desired response from your audience. Throughout history, humans all across the world cleverly inspired world-wide revolutions solely through the power of speech. Since then, a lot of tools and techniques of speeches have developed to ensure we use this power to its maximum capacity.  

The two broad classifications of events we use speeches are called formal events and informal events. Therefore, depending on the kind of audience, the situation, the message, the tone and the environment, the orator must decide whether they should address a formal speech or an informal speech. Working out where you use what kind of speech is the most important aspect of being a good communicator.

Formal Speeches

What are formal speeches.

Formal Speeches are made when you’re speaking to a sizable audience you don’t personally know. These are professional events where you’re expected to make a good impression on the audience. The nature of these events is often serious and decorous. These events therefore demand a similar respectable tone of language and speech.

For example, while at a job interview, speaking to an individual of authority, delivering a lecture, making a presentation, giving a pitch, motivating the audience, hosting a business event etc., you must ensure you speak formally. 

What makes a speech formal?

Formal speeches are also called orations. They are used in situations that are more ‘serious.’ They project a specific tone and specific characteristics. A few basic tools and attributes of formal speeches are:

The tone of a formal speech is always polite and respectful. Since formal speeches are mainly used to communicate with people in authority or strangers, it is important to structure your sentences suitably. The use of civilised words, appropriate grammar, complete sentences and enhanced vocabulary maintains the decorum of a formal speech.

Objectiveness

A formal communication style usually takes no stances. The sentence is spoken in a passive voice with a minimum use of personal pronouns. When we avoid using personal pronouns such as ‘I’, ‘We’ and ‘You’, the essence of the point changes from being an opinion to a fact. Therefore, the content of your speech sounds more objective than subjective.

Effectiveness

A formal speech is more effective than an informal speech because it comprises longer sentences and clear, non-colloquial phrases. It is well-spoken and the pronunciations are fathomable and precise. Its adherence to the Standard English language makes it comprehensible for the entire audience, even the non-native English speakers. It therefore proves to be extremely effective, suitable for a workplace or a business environment.

Standard English Language

A formal speech naturally follows the standards and rules formally set by the language. Languages tend to have regional differences and additional local slang to them. Even within England, British English and Scottish English tend to have different dialects and colloquial. For example, maybe phrases like “sure-fire” or “works like a charm” are deemed normal at your workplace but you cannot expect a non-English speaking trader to know them. When we adhere to the Standard English prescribed by Oxford, everybody who has academically learnt the English language is able to understand what one is trying to say.

The generous use of long sentences, no contractions, minimum abbreviations, proper grammar, complex sentence structure, clear pronunciation and overall objectiveness of the information brings a lot of clarity to one’s speech. There is seldom any room for doubts or misunderstandings. The extensive use of impersonal and formal language brings out professionalism and makes your information more credible.

What should you NOT include in a Formal Speech

The obvious ways of distinguishing between a formal speech and an informal speech are determined through the process of elimination. The following are a few things that you shouldn’t include in a formal speech:

Casual Greeting

There are a number of ways you can greet a person. Each kind of greeting has formal and informal versions that you can use based on how well you know the person and what degree of professionalism you are required to maintain with that person. For example,

• Formal: Hello, how do you do?
• Informal: Hey, how are ya?
• Formal: Nice to meet you/ Pleased to meet you.
• Informal: Good to see you.
• Formal: How have you been?
• Informal: Long time no see!

Slangs and Colloquialism

Slangs include a language that’s peculiar to a particular group, a regional reference, or even curse words. It’s extremely important to keep slang words at bay when you’re delivering a formal speech. A formal tone prescribes standard, professional English language. For example,

• Informal: Stats say, stress is the reason why this workplace is always screwing up.
• Formal: According to statistics, stress is one of the most frequent factors that disrupts efficiency and encourages problems in the workplace.
• Informal: Know yourself honestly and well enough to find what stresses you out.
• Formal: Being candid with ourselves is the most effective way to establish the triggers of stress we experience.

Contractions

Contracting words and sentences assert an informal and casual tone. If you are aiming to sound professional and polished, avoiding contractions is recommended. For example,

• Informal: I’ve had enough, I don’t think I’m gonna let this slide the next time.
• Formal: Your limit has been surpassed, I do not think this mistake will go unpunished the next time.

Personal Pronouns

The main characteristics of a formal speech are its impersonal nature and the precise, passive and objective delivery of information. While writing a formal speech, avoid using pronouns altogether. However, if required, try using neutral pronouns such as ‘one.’ For example,

• Informal: I was alarmed when I found out the effects of stress.
• Formal: The effects of stress were found to be quite alarming.
• Informal: You shouldn’t stress out about the things you can’t control.
• Formal: One shouldn’t take stress about the things beyond one’s control.

Poor Vocabulary

Gather your thesaurus before you write your formal speech because the better your vocabulary, more formal the content of your speech sounds. While both your sentences would mean the same thing, the tone in which they are delivered would classify them as informal speeches or formal speeches. For example,

• Informal: He took the item back to the shop.
• Formal: He returned the item to the shop.
• Informal: The CEO of this company gave up his position because his mental health was being affected.
• Formal: The CEO of this company relinquished his position due to his mental health being compromised.

How should you structure a Formal Speech?

The basic structure of a formal speech is no different than the structure of an essay. Organising your speech not only improves the clarity of thought but also amplifies the effectiveness of your content. A formal speech includes an introduction, a body and a conclusion.

The Introduction

A formal introduction establishes a respectful contact between the speaker and the listener. The introduction should last for one minute at the most. It should sound deferential and strictly adhere to formal English. How should you begin a formal speech?

The Greeting

The introduction of a formal speech can typically begin with a greeting. After wishing ‘good morning’ or ‘good evening’ depending on the time of the day, you may introduce yourself humbly. You can thank the organisers of the event for inviting you to speak or compliment a senior member of the event to pay respect. 

Acknowledging the Audience

It is polite to thank the audience for gathering to hear you out. Greet them with a genuine smile and express what an honour it is to be speaking before them today. After all, they have sacrificed their precious time to be here today.

Placing your Claim

The introduction is the most crucial segment of your speech. The curiosity you are able to pique in this part decides how much audience you will retain throughout your speech. It is extremely important you place your claim in the most catchy manner. Even in a formal speech, you can use quotes, rhetorical devices, imagery, startling elements, stories or even silence. As long as the language used is respectful, professional and follows the formal English, it can be a good opener for a formal speech. 

In case you’re looking for a few creative ways you can open your speech, you can refer to our blogpost for help!

The body makes up everything you have to say about the claim you placed in the introduction. It can have additional facts, supporting arguments and other temporal modes of organising your information. The temporal modes of organising information can be:

• Cause-effect relation in past, present or future tense
• Effect-cause relation which is basically inverting it and highlighting the effects before you state how they are achieved.
• Compare and contrast your entities.
• Narrate your topics as a story by organising the flow of the speech by finding relation and joint-relevance between two topics.
• Subdividing a large chunk of information into headings and subheadings is also a good topical way to organise your information formally.

The Conclusion

How do you end a formal speech? The conclusion follows the transition that was laid down by the body. The two main aims of a conclusion are to summarise the ideas of the speech and provide a closure. The conclusion of any formal speech can include:

• A summary of the speech.
• A ‘Now-What?’ statement elucidating the takeaway of the speech for the audience.
• A reference back to the introduction of the speech.
• An open-ended question to ponder upon.

If the last line of your speech is as important as the introduction segment where you make the claim. The weight and impact of the last sentence decides how memorable your speech would be. If you don’t feel like dropping the mic after the last sentence of your speech, maybe it’s not as mind-blowing and impactful as it ideally should be. 

If you are looking to seek more advice on how you can structure your formal speeches more professionally , be sure to check out our guidelines.

Informal Speeches

Informal speeches are casual and relaxed. They are made while talking to friends, colleagues or people you personally know. There are no hard and fast rules while making an informal speech other than somehow conveying the message you want to convey. 

What makes a speech informal?

Informal speeches radiate a very comfortable and relaxed energy. They’re friendlier than formal speeches and they often carry the personality of the person addressing them. A few characteristics that can help you identify informal speeches are:

Since casual speeches don’t require a very strict preparation like formal speeches, they are often easygoing. Informal speeches are made sporadically and are mostly off the record. The level of ease informal speeches carry can differ from person to person given how extroverted they are, or how comfortable they are with the audience. 

Informal speeches sound colourful. In the sense, the speaker is given the liberty to express themselves as they truly are. They don’t have a monotonous tone like formal speeches. The speaker can add their own slang, phrases they normally use, their personality, their dialects and in general make the speech as entertaining and fun as they please. 

Informal speeches give you the artistic and comedic liberty to put forth your message. While formal speeches usually adhere to the strictness of sounding ‘serious’ and ‘professional’, informal speeches are like laid back and pleasurable conversations.

You do not normally talk in complex sentence structures or dramatically use vocabulary. Likewise, informal speeches are often simple and straightforward. They use short sentences and terms and references from day-to-day life. You may use words and phrases like ‘that’s dope’, ‘don’t be salty’, ‘bruh’, ‘I’m shook’, ‘No cap’ etc. 

Informal speech is used in day-to-day life. Unlike other languages, most English speakers tend to speak informally with strangers on the street. While they’re friendly, they might not necessarily be polite if the listener cannot interpret the tone of your speech. 

Since informal speeches are more often used in everyday life, they don’t really have a structure. They do not require an introduction, a body or a conclusion. Apart from the unspoken rules of exchanging pleasantries and courtesy, you do not need to ‘prepare’ anything formal, just have the idea of what you want to say in mind.

A few examples of informal speeches would be:

• A Best Man’s Speech for his Brother’s Wedding: In this example, the occasion is properly informal. The speaker is amongst friends and family, speaking about his brother and his new wife. It is hilarious and also contains a poem to deliver the message!

• A Valedictorian Speech for the Class of 2010: In this example, while the occasion is formal, the speaker has very cleverly added a subtle informal tone while still maintaining the collective polite structure. He framed all inside jokes in a way everybody could understand. It was overall confident, humorous, ingenious and a great valedictorian speech.

What are the Main Differences Between Formal and Informal Speeches?

The following table elucidates the main differences between formal and informal speeches, summarising all its characteristics.

Case Study: A Sales Pitch

Let’s study the an applied example of formal and informal speeches. The above video is a sales pitch for electric cars. There are two characters in this video, each used in informal speech and formal speech respectively. Let us analyse both their speeches to understand how you can implement the two styles in your communication. 

Informal Speech

The first man uses an informal style of speech. He begins his speech by saying, “Ladies and gentlemen, electric cars. They’re totally gay.” Naturally, in a work environment where formal tones are expected, the opening statement left all the members of the meeting stupefied. They found his speech disrespectful and all the faces around the room were either shocked, perplexed or disapproving. The casual tone could have easily been found offensive on the pretext of homophobia. He also says things like ‘rock-and-roll-ness’, ‘sexiness of the car’, ‘this model took more virginities than Francis Albert Sinatra’, which can come across as rather controversial in a formal business meeting. Gradually, the informal and blunt approach did work out for the salesperson. However, the chances of it being successful are bleak and you could just be overruled any time. Using a formal tone is therefore a safer option.

Formal Speech

The second man in the film, referred to as Nicholas, takes over and summarises the pitch using formal speech. He uses statements like, ‘We believe we can produce the technology to incorporate an electric motor in your current model.’ He said the exact same thing the first man was trying to communicate but in a far more classy manner. Instead of calling it ‘sexy’ or ‘rock-and-roll’, he refers to its features as ‘exhilarating’ and ‘aggressive’, making the experience ‘visceral’ and retaining a manly retro element of the car than making it look ‘gay’. 

This example distinguishing formal speech with informal speech hopefully gives you a thorough idea of what they are. However, when should you use formal speech? And when should you give an informal speech?

Should you use Formal Speech or Informal Speech?

Knowing what speech is best suited for the given situation always depends on the context. You should be intelligent enough to be able to recognize situations that demand a formal tone and situations that can be handled casually.

Generally, informal speeches are made at weddings while giving a toast or at birthdays to express love etc. Formal speeches are made in professional settings, work places, educational institutes, talking to authorities, job interviews, business meetings, negotiations, elders or people you don’t know.  

However, sometimes in job interviews, the interviewer can be looking for what your personality is like. In situations like this, you need to tone down how formally you talk. Some corporate cultures embrace a casual and informal tone in their business affairs while some companies prefer individuals who can maintain a strong formal and professional persona. 

When you are doubtful about what speech to use, always stick to formal speech. While informal speech is friendly, formal speech is polite. It establishes goodwill and credibility. Although it’s not good to be overly formal either. Saying “Greetings, let me guide you through the floorplans of this building so you can navigate the office easily.” is frankly absurd and foolish. Being too formal can also come across as cold, distant and ironically even impolite. You do not want to be a robot. Sometimes saying, “Good morning, allow me to give you an office tour.” does just the right thing.

To Conclude,

A good communicator can not only convey any kind of message to their audience but also convey their message to any kind of audience. And in order to achieve this, a good communicator is the master of the art of speech as well as the master of knowing the audience and what tone they would appreciate. 

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Module 5: Delivering Your Speech

Methods of delivery.

There are four basic methods (sometimes called styles) of presenting a speech: manuscript, memorized, extemporaneous, and impromptu. Each has a variety of uses in various forums of communication.

Manuscript Style

“Marketing Mix” by Matthew Hurst. CC-BY-SA .

The word manuscript is the clue to the style. The speech is written and the speaker reads it word for word to the audience. Originally, it was done from the hand-written paper manuscript. Today the manuscript style is common, but the paper is gone. Who reads the speech to the audience? Answer: Newscasters and television personalities. In the old days, the manuscript was hand-lettered on cue cards, which were held next to the camera lens. Then paper scrolls, like printed piano rolls were used, especially in Soap Operas. Today, a special teleprompter (working like a periscope) is attached to the camera so the newscaster is looking at the lens while reading.

Why is the manuscript important and in use? Precision. In the news- reporting industry, every fraction of a second counts because broadcast time is costly. Also, the facts and names must be exact and accurate so there is no room for error. Errors in reporting decrease the credibility of the news organization and the newscaster.

The most regular use of the teleprompter for manuscript delivery is by the U.S. President. In fact, the teleprompter, used by every President since Reagan, is called a “Presidential Teleprompter.” It is made of two pieces of glass, each flanking the podium. They reflect the text from a monitor on the floor like a periscope. The glass on both sides has the same text, and the speaker looks alternately from one glass to the other as though looking at the audience through the glass. The audience cannot see the projected text. The speeches a President gives will often reflect national policy, define international relationships, and the press will scrutinize every syllable. It has to be more than brilliantly accurate; it has to be impeccably phased. Professional writers and policy experts compose the speech; and the President delivers it as though he not only wrote it, but made it up on the spot. That is the skill of a good politician, actor, or speaker. Those who are not skilled using a teleprompter or manuscript will sound stilted and boring.

Try This! Manuscript Delivery

Watch the local or national 6 p.m., 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. newscasts on the same T.V. station. Make notes on which news items repeat and how closely, or exactly, the phrasing is, even if different personalities are presenting the same item.

Memorized Style

The memorized style of speaking is when the manuscript is committed to memory and recited to the audience verbatim (word for word). In the days when elocution was taught, this was a typical approach. A speech was a recitation. The Optimists Club (a national organization) used to have a “Oratory” contest for high school students. Contestants wrote essays on a given theme, to create a speech at a specific time length (e.g.: three minutes). The essay was memorized and the delivery was judged by 1) the quality of the writing, 2) the accuracy with which it was recited; and 3) the precise length of time. Such contests seem archaic by today’s more casual and somewhat less formal standards.

Where is a memorized delivery style still common? Due to copyright laws and licensing contract agreements (other than scripts that are in the public domain), actors on stage are obligated to memorize the script of the play and perform it verbatim exactly as written. It is typical for speakers on high school and university speech and debate teams to memorize their competitive speeches. Corporate conventions often use large LCD monitors on the front of the stage as teleprompters. This allows the speaker to move more freely across the stage while sticking to his or her script. Some monologists (such as the stand-up comics mentioned at the start of the chapter) also use a memorized delivery style. In all cases, they create the impression that the speech is spontaneous. You might consider using the memorized delivery style if your speech is relatively short, or you know you will have to deliver your speech repeatedly such as a tour operator would.

Impromptu Style

Theoretically, an “impromptu” speech is “made up on the spot.” It is unprepared and unrehearsed. Often ceremonial toasts, grace before meals, an acknowledgement, an introduction, offering thanks and so on, fall into this category. While there are some occasions when a speech in those categories is actually prepared (prepare your acceptance for the Academy Award BEFORE you are called!), there are many occasions when there is little or no opportunity to prepare.

Impromptu speeches are generally short and are often given with little or no notice. Notes are rare and the speaker generally looks directly at the audience. It would be presumptuous and arrogant to declare rules for Impromptu Speaking. It is fair to explain that “impromptu” describes a range from absolutely no preparation, to a modest amount of preparation (mostly thought) and rarely incorporates research or the formalities of outlines and citations that more formal speeches would include.

Be still when you have nothing to say; when genuine passion moves you, say what you’ve got to say, and say it hot. – D. H. Lawrence

An indelibly memorable example occurred to me when my siblings threw a surprise 10th anniversary party for my Mom (Margaret) and our stepdad (Lidio). It was the third marriage for both of them, and they were in their 60’s. As soon as the yells of “surprise” subsided, Lidio picked up his wine glass and proposed a toast:

“Apr. 3 – Cheers!” by KimManleyOrt. CC-BY-NC-ND .

“I can’t believe this surprise! I don’t know what to say… um, Dino [his brother] when was that Yankee game Dad took us to when we were kids? It was 4th of July, wasn’t it? 1939? And it was like it was yesterday; and today reminds me of that day, when Lou Gehrig came out to the mound. He was slow, but we were all cheering the ‘Pride of the Yankees.’ He wasn’t playing anymore, he was too sick, but he looked around the crowd, and said ‘I’m the luckiest man alive.’ That’s how I feel with you all here today; to celebrate our 10th anniversary. I’m here with you and with Margaret; and I’m the luckiest man alive.”

The speech was short, emotionally charged, wonderfully articulate, and absolutely unprepared. The speech had one central emotionally charged message; simple, in words and phrasing, but complex by bringing an image of great sentimentality to the occasion. He was able to react to the moment, and speak “from the heart.”

In contrast, legendary magician Harry Houdini was often asked to perform for the amusement of his fellow passengers when sailing to Europe. I always associate “impromptu” with the stories of Houdini’s shipboard conjuring. Nothing was further from “impromptu.” The skill of the great magician was in making his illusions seem spontaneous with what appeared to be ordinary items that “happened” to be on hand. Houdini spent endless hours planning and rehearsing. The true illusion was that they “appeared” to be impromptu.

Take advantage of every opportunity to practice your communication skills so that when important occasions arise, you will have the gift, the style, the sharpness, the clarity, and the emotions to affect other people. – Jim Rohn

Extemporaneous Style

Sandwiched between the memorized and impromptu delivery styles you find the extemporaneous speech style. For this style, the speech is not completely written out. It is usually delivered with keynotes for reference. Most public speaking courses and books describe extemporaneous speeches as carefully prepared and rehearsed, but delivered using notes of key words and phrases to support the speaker. Phrasing is pre- rehearsed, words are pre-chosen, and the organization is fluid and well constructed. There should be no fumbling for words, no rambling, and length of time should be carefully monitored. The style does offer the speaker flexibility to include references to the immediate surroundings, previous speeches, news of the day, and so on.

The trouble with talking too fast is you may say something you haven’t thought of yet.” – Ann Landers

“Speech Notes” by Jess J. CC-BY-NC-ND .

How you develops the notes and what they look like are up to the individual, but a natural extemporaneous delivery is difficult if you are relying on a manuscript. Under no circumstances should the speaker be spending more than 20% of the speaking time looking at the notes. It would be ideal to practice so you only glance at your notes approximately 5% of the time of the speech.

Those who have limited experience in formal speaking find it helpful to write out the speech as though it were an essay, then read it, edit it, then create speaking notes from the text. This helps with editing and with thinking through the phrases. This process of public speaking was taught decades ago to my contemporaries and me and has fallen out of fashion. But it is a useful way of thoroughly thinking through the speech. If this procedure is used, it is advisable to rehearse the speech with the notes without the essay prior to delivering the speech. But be warned: having the fully written essay at the podium might detract from the delivery.

The extemporaneous style is the method most often recommended (and often required) in today’s public speaking courses, and is generally the best method in other settings as well. While it is not the only method of delivering a speech, it is the most useful for presentations in other courses, in the corporate world and in pursuing future careers.

• Chapter 12 Methods of Delivery. Authored by : Victor Capecce, M.F.A.. Provided by : Millersville University, Millersville, PA. Located at : http://publicspeakingproject.org/psvirtualtext.html . Project : The Public Speaking Project. License : CC BY-NC-ND: Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives
• marketing mix. Authored by : Matthew Hurst. Located at : https://www.flickr.com/photos/skewgee/3911933434/ . License : CC BY-SA: Attribution-ShareAlike
• Apr. 3 - Cheers!. Authored by : KimManleyOrt. Located at : https://www.flickr.com/photos/kimmanleyort/6897547042/ . License : CC BY-NC-ND: Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives
• speech notes. Authored by : Jess J. Located at : https://www.flickr.com/photos/jessicajuriga/3988478147/ . License : CC BY-NC-ND: Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives

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14.1 Four Methods of Delivery

Learning objectives.

• Differentiate among the four methods of speech delivery.
• Understand when to use each of the four methods of speech delivery.

Maryland GovPics – House of Ruth Luncheon – CC BY 2.0.

The easiest approach to speech delivery is not always the best. Substantial work goes into the careful preparation of an interesting and ethical message, so it is understandable that students may have the impulse to avoid “messing it up” by simply reading it word for word. But students who do this miss out on one of the major reasons for studying public speaking: to learn ways to “connect” with one’s audience and to increase one’s confidence in doing so. You already know how to read, and you already know how to talk. But public speaking is neither reading nor talking.

Speaking in public has more formality than talking. During a speech, you should present yourself professionally. This doesn’t mean you must wear a suit or “dress up” (unless your instructor asks you to), but it does mean making yourself presentable by being well groomed and wearing clean, appropriate clothes. It also means being prepared to use language correctly and appropriately for the audience and the topic, to make eye contact with your audience, and to look like you know your topic very well.

While speaking has more formality than talking, it has less formality than reading. Speaking allows for meaningful pauses, eye contact, small changes in word order, and vocal emphasis. Reading is a more or less exact replication of words on paper without the use of any nonverbal interpretation. Speaking, as you will realize if you think about excellent speakers you have seen and heard, provides a more animated message.

The next sections introduce four methods of delivery that can help you balance between too much and too little formality when giving a public speech.

Impromptu Speaking

Impromptu speaking is the presentation of a short message without advance preparation. Impromptu speeches often occur when someone is asked to “say a few words” or give a toast on a special occasion. You have probably done impromptu speaking many times in informal, conversational settings. Self-introductions in group settings are examples of impromptu speaking: “Hi, my name is Steve, and I’m a volunteer with the Homes for the Brave program.” Another example of impromptu speaking occurs when you answer a question such as, “What did you think of the documentary?”

The advantage of this kind of speaking is that it’s spontaneous and responsive in an animated group context. The disadvantage is that the speaker is given little or no time to contemplate the central theme of his or her message. As a result, the message may be disorganized and difficult for listeners to follow.

Here is a step-by-step guide that may be useful if you are called upon to give an impromptu speech in public.

• Take a moment to collect your thoughts and plan the main point you want to make.
• Thank the person for inviting you to speak.
• Deliver your message, making your main point as briefly as you can while still covering it adequately and at a pace your listeners can follow.
• Thank the person again for the opportunity to speak.
• Stop talking.

As you can see, impromptu speeches are generally most successful when they are brief and focus on a single point.

Extemporaneous Speaking

Extemporaneous speaking is the presentation of a carefully planned and rehearsed speech, spoken in a conversational manner using brief notes. By using notes rather than a full manuscript, the extemporaneous speaker can establish and maintain eye contact with the audience and assess how well they are understanding the speech as it progresses. The opportunity to assess is also an opportunity to restate more clearly any idea or concept that the audience seems to have trouble grasping.

For instance, suppose you are speaking about workplace safety and you use the term “sleep deprivation.” If you notice your audience’s eyes glazing over, this might not be a result of their own sleep deprivation, but rather an indication of their uncertainty about what you mean. If this happens, you can add a short explanation; for example, “sleep deprivation is sleep loss serious enough to threaten one’s cognition, hand-to-eye coordination, judgment, and emotional health.” You might also (or instead) provide a concrete example to illustrate the idea. Then you can resume your message, having clarified an important concept.

Speaking extemporaneously has some advantages. It promotes the likelihood that you, the speaker, will be perceived as knowledgeable and credible. In addition, your audience is likely to pay better attention to the message because it is engaging both verbally and nonverbally. The disadvantage of extemporaneous speaking is that it requires a great deal of preparation for both the verbal and the nonverbal components of the speech. Adequate preparation cannot be achieved the day before you’re scheduled to speak.

Because extemporaneous speaking is the style used in the great majority of public speaking situations, most of the information in this chapter is targeted to this kind of speaking.

Speaking from a Manuscript

Manuscript speaking is the word-for-word iteration of a written message. In a manuscript speech, the speaker maintains his or her attention on the printed page except when using visual aids.

The advantage to reading from a manuscript is the exact repetition of original words. As we mentioned at the beginning of this chapter, in some circumstances this can be extremely important. For example, reading a statement about your organization’s legal responsibilities to customers may require that the original words be exact. In reading one word at a time, in order, the only errors would typically be mispronunciation of a word or stumbling over complex sentence structure.

However, there are costs involved in manuscript speaking. First, it’s typically an uninteresting way to present. Unless the speaker has rehearsed the reading as a complete performance animated with vocal expression and gestures (as poets do in a poetry slam and actors do in a reader’s theater), the presentation tends to be dull. Keeping one’s eyes glued to the script precludes eye contact with the audience. For this kind of “straight” manuscript speech to hold audience attention, the audience must be already interested in the message before the delivery begins.

It is worth noting that professional speakers, actors, news reporters, and politicians often read from an autocue device, such as a TelePrompTer, especially when appearing on television, where eye contact with the camera is crucial. With practice, a speaker can achieve a conversational tone and give the impression of speaking extemporaneously while using an autocue device. However, success in this medium depends on two factors: (1) the speaker is already an accomplished public speaker who has learned to use a conversational tone while delivering a prepared script, and (2) the speech is written in a style that sounds conversational.

Speaking from Memory

Memorized speaking is the rote recitation of a written message that the speaker has committed to memory. Actors, of course, recite from memory whenever they perform from a script in a stage play, television program, or movie scene. When it comes to speeches, memorization can be useful when the message needs to be exact and the speaker doesn’t want to be confined by notes.

The advantage to memorization is that it enables the speaker to maintain eye contact with the audience throughout the speech. Being free of notes means that you can move freely around the stage and use your hands to make gestures. If your speech uses visual aids, this freedom is even more of an advantage. However, there are some real and potential costs. First, unless you also plan and memorize every vocal cue (the subtle but meaningful variations in speech delivery, which can include the use of pitch, tone, volume, and pace), gesture, and facial expression, your presentation will be flat and uninteresting, and even the most fascinating topic will suffer. You might end up speaking in a monotone or a sing-song repetitive delivery pattern. You might also present your speech in a rapid “machine-gun” style that fails to emphasize the most important points. Second, if you lose your place and start trying to ad lib, the contrast in your style of delivery will alert your audience that something is wrong. More frighteningly, if you go completely blank during the presentation, it will be extremely difficult to find your place and keep going.

Key Takeaways

• There are four main kinds of speech delivery: impromptu, extemporaneous, manuscript, and memorized.
• Impromptu speaking involves delivering a message on the spur of the moment, as when someone is asked to “say a few words.”
• Extemporaneous speaking consists of delivering a speech in a conversational fashion using notes. This is the style most speeches call for.
• Manuscript speaking consists of reading a fully scripted speech. It is useful when a message needs to be delivered in precise words.
• Memorized speaking consists of reciting a scripted speech from memory. Memorization allows the speaker to be free of notes.
• Find a short newspaper story. Read it out loud to a classroom partner. Then, using only one notecard, tell the classroom partner in your own words what the story said. Listen to your partner’s observations about the differences in your delivery.
• In a group of four or five students, ask each student to give a one-minute impromptu speech answering the question, “What is the most important personal quality for academic success?”
• Watch the evening news. Observe the differences between news anchors using a TelePrompTer and interviewees who are using no notes of any kind. What differences do you observe?

Stand up, Speak out Copyright © 2016 by University of Minnesota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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ORAL COMMUNICATION IN CONTEXT

Senior high school, types of speech styles.

• FROZEN STYLE

Used generally in very formal setting. Most formal communicative style for respectful situation Does not require any feedback from the audience Usually uses long sentences with good grammar and vocabulary The use of language is fixed and relatively static

Examples: national pledge, anthem, school creeds, marriage ceremonies, speech for a state ceremony

• FORMAL STYLE

Used in speaking to medium to large groups May also be used in single hearers- strangers, older persons, professional Speaker must frame whole sentences ahead before they are delivered Avoids using slang terminologies language is comparatively rigid and has a set, agreed upon vocabulary that is well documented; is often of a standard variety.

Examples: meetings, speeches, school lessons, court, a corporate meeting, at a swearing in ceremony, in an interview or in a classroom

Examples: regular conversation at schools, companies, group discussion, teacher-student, doctor-patient, expert-apprentice

casual conversations with friends, family members, chats, phone calls and messages

5. INTIMATE STYLE

Completely private language used within family of very close friends or group Uses personal language codes Grammar is unnecessary Does not need complete language Certain terms of endearment, slangs or expressions whose meaning is shared with a small subset of persons to person

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60 Words To Describe Writing Or Speaking Styles

Writers Write creates and shares writing resources. In this post, we give you 60 words to describe writing or speaking styles .

What Is Your Writing Or Speaking Style?

“Style, in its broadest sense, is a specific way in which we create, perform, or do something. Style in literature is the way an author uses words to tell a story. It is a writer’s way of showing his or her personality on paper.

Just as a person putting together items of clothing and jewellery, and applying make-up creates a personal style, the way a person puts together word choice, sentence structure, and figurative language describes his or her literary style.

When combined, the choices they make work together to establish mood , images, and meaning. This has an effect on their audience.”

From  7 Choices That Affect A Writer’s Style

• articulate – able to express your thoughts, arguments, and ideas clearly and effectively; writing or speech is clear and easy to understand
• chatty – a chatty writing style is friendly and informal
• circuitous – taking a long time to say what you really mean when you are talking or writing about something
• clean – clean language or humour does not offend people, especially because it does not involve sex
• conversational – a conversational style of writing or speaking is informal, like a private conversation
• crisp – crisp speech or writing is clear and effective
• declamatory – expressing feelings or opinions with great force
• diffuse – using too many words and not easy to understand
• discursive – including information that is not relevant to the main subject
• economical – an economical way of speaking or writing does not use more words than are necessary
• elliptical – suggesting what you mean rather than saying or writing it clearly
• eloquent – expressing what you mean using clear and effective language
• emphatic – making your meaning very clear because you have very strong feelings about a situation or subject
• emphatically – very firmly and clearly
• epigrammatic – expressing something such as a feeling or idea in a short and clever or funny way
• epistolary – relating to the writing of letters
• euphemistic – euphemistic expressions are used for talking about unpleasant or embarrassing subjects without mentioning the things themselves
• flowery – flowery language or writing uses many complicated words that are intended to make it more attractive
• fluent – expressing yourself in a clear and confident way, without seeming to make an effort
• formal – correct or conservative in style, and suitable for official or serious situations or occasions
• gossipy – a gossipy letter is lively and full of news about the writer of the letter and about other people
• grandiloquent – expressed in extremely formal language in order to impress people, and often sounding silly because of this
• idiomatic – expressing things in a way that sounds natural
• inarticulate – not able to express clearly what you want to say; not spoken or pronounced clearly
• incoherent – unable to express yourself clearly
• informal – used about language or behaviour that is suitable for using with friends but not in formal situations
• journalistic – similar in style to journalism
• learned – a learned piece of writing shows great knowledge about a subject, especially an academic subject
• literary – involving books or the activity of writing, reading, or studying books; relating to the kind of words that are used only in stories or poems, and not in normal writing or speech
• lyric – using words to express feelings in the way that a song would
• lyrical – having the qualities of music
• ornate – using unusual words and complicated sentences
• orotund – containing extremely formal and complicated language intended to impress people
• parenthetical – not directly connected with what you are saying or writing
• pejorative – a pejorative word, phrase etc expresses criticism or a bad opinion of someone or something
• picturesque – picturesque language is unusual and interesting
• pithy – a pithy statement or piece of writing is short and very effective
• poetic – expressing ideas in a very sensitive way and with great beauty or imagination
• polemical – using or supported by strong arguments
• ponderous – ponderous writing or speech is serious and boring
• portentous – trying to seem very serious and important, in order to impress people
• prolix – using too many words and therefore boring
• punchy – a punchy piece of writing such as a speech, report, or slogan is one that has a strong effect because it uses clear simple language and not many words
• rambling – a rambling speech or piece of writing is long and confusing
• readable – writing that is readable is clear and able to be read
• rhetorical – relating to a style of speaking or writing that is effective or intended to influence people; written or spoken in a way that is impressive but is not honest
• rhetorically – in a way that expects or wants no answer; using or relating to rhetoric
• rough – a rough drawing or piece of writing is not completely finished
• roundly – in a strong and clear way
• sententious – expressing opinions about right and wrong behaviour in a way that is intended to impress people
• sesquipedalian – using a lot of long words that most people do not understand
• Shakespearean – using words in the way that is typical of Shakespeare’s writing
• stylistic – relating to ways of creating effects, especially in language and literature
• succinct – expressed in a very short but clear way
• turgid – using language in a way that is complicated and difficult to understand
• unprintable – used for describing writing or words that you think are offensive
• vague – someone who is vague does not clearly or fully explain something
• verbose – using more words than necessary, and therefore long and boring
• well-turned – a well-turned phrase is one that is expressed well
• wordy – using more words than are necessary, especially long or formal words

Source for Words:  Macmillan Dictionary

If you enjoyed this article, you may also enjoy

• The 4 Main Characters As Literary Devices
• 7 Choices That Affect A Writer’s Style
• 5 Incredibly Simple Ways To Help Writers Show And Not Tell
• Cheat Sheets for Writing Body Language
• Punctuation For Beginners
• If you want to learn how to write a book, sign up for our  online course .
• If you want to learn how to blog, sign up for the online course.
• Style , Writing Resource

4 thoughts on “60 Words To Describe Writing Or Speaking Styles”

useful thank you …

useful thank you.

Very informative. Taught me slot

Thanks a lot. Very useful.

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Types Of Speech Style – A Brief Explanation According To Martin Joos

Here’s a brief discussion of the types of speech style and the types of speech act..

TYPES OF SPEECH STYLE – This is a small discussion of the types of speech style and speech act that you should know.

Speech style, according to the definition given by Martin Joos, is the “form of language that the speaker uses which characterized by the degree of formality”. He identified these styles into five classes: frozen style, formal style, consultative style, casual style, and intimate style.

These are levels of formality based on situations and each level is determined through the language that is used appropriately in a specific context.

Here are the types:

• Frozen Speech Style – the most formal and is the type that is used during formal events, ceremonies, or any respectful situations like anthems, marriage ceremonies, laws, and among others.
• Intimate Speech Style – the language used between couples, families, and friends. This is used in conversations between people who have close relationships towards each other. The people involve can also understand each other through gestures such as raising of voice’s tone, grunt, or the raise of an eyebrow.
• Formal Speech Style – This is a one way type of conversation where the listeners are not obliged to participate in the talk. Examples are announcements, State of the Nation Address (SONA), and among others.
• Casual Speech Style – This is the speech you make with your friends, peers, or acquaintances. The words used are easily understood and situations under this type include phone calls, everyday conversation with a friends, chats, and the inside joke you make with a friend.
• Consultative Speech Style – A semi-formal type of communication. The listener may cooperate or ask for elaborations from the speaker or make an interruption about a certain topic. The sample conversations are those between the students and teachers and between the doctor and his patients.
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Casual Style of Communication: The Appropriate and Effective Use

Table of Contents

A casual style of communication is characterized by everyday language use, as opposed to a formal style. This type of language use is more appropriate for individuals with a personal relationship.

What is a Casual Style of Communication?

A casual style of communication, as the term implies, brings to mind informal conversation, often between friends and acquaintances. It is easy to approach, free of all pretense, and is not used for high-pressure conversations.

You would want to use a casual communication style with people you are familiar with and trust.

Casual communication occurs with friends, family, and individuals in business, entertainment, and other walks of life. It is commonly used in social events such as a friend’s birthday, a wedding, or a party.

The casual communication style tends to be informal and relaxed , but not “rude” or without manners. It uses slang languages or expressions that can easily be understood without giving too much information.

Features of Casual Communication Style

The casual communication style is used when you write or speak to familiar people. It allows you to use expressive language. The subject matter of the conversation is usually informal and relaxed.

Often, casual speakers intend to maintain the flow of dialogue rather than say anything extraordinary or use specific expressions or vocabulary.

The following features are peculiar to the casual communication.

• Jokes and humor.
• Slang language: “Wow,” “That’s cool.”
• Informal abbreviations.
• Use of abbreviations or slang symbols rather than complete words in writing.
• The speaker allows the listener to interrupt and participate in the conversation.
• Use of contractions: “That’s true,” “What’re you up to?” “Where’d she go?” “That’s great.”

When is it Appropriate to Use the Casual Style of communication?

The casual speech style is a style of speaking that is warm, friendly, easygoing, informal, and often uses slang. In casual communication, the speaker is comfortable and at ease. The listener is focused on the speaker’s message rather than how they express it.

The casual style of speaking is also characterized as informal, candid, and timely and does not often address the conventional communication rules. You can use the casual speech style in the following scenarios.

• When speaking with family and friends:  The casual style of speaking is the most appropriate to use with friends and family.
• In a social event/gathering : You would use this communication style during a special event such as a wedding or party.
• When the audience is well-known to you : When communicating with a familiar audience, you want to express yourself quickly and effectively. It is best to use the casual speech style when your message requires a high level of emotion that you want to convey.
• When speaking to your employees and client : The casual communication style is generally used to communicate with clients. It helps maintain a friendly, informal and relaxed atmosphere. As an employer, you would use the casual communication style to talk to your employees about company business.
• When speaking to your business partners : The casual style of communication emphasizes informality, ease of communication, and lack of rules and formalities. Even though we may dress formally, we do not necessarily communicate that way. You can be in business attire and speak in a casual language with ease.

The casual communication style is less formal in that it allows for more animated communication and a friendly tone. It is acceptable to use slang and contractions to communicate when speaking casually. However, they should never be used too often to be considered signs of inappropriateness or mockery.

It would be best to use the casual communication style only when the audience or person being addressed is relaxed and familiar to you.

Pam is an expert grammarian with years of experience teaching English, writing and ESL Grammar courses at the university level. She is enamored with all things language and fascinated with how we use words to shape our world.

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At the Smithsonian | Updated: August 22, 2024 | Originally Published: January 15, 2021

Discover the Special Meaning Behind Kamala Harris’ Pearls

The vice president, who will give a speech at the Democratic National Convention to accept the presidential nomination Thursday night, often wears jewelry connected to her historically Black sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha

Isis Davis-Marks ; Updated by Kayla Randall

On August 19, 2020, then-Senator Kamala Harris wore a necklace of pearls as she accepted the Democratic vice presidential nomination. When the suit-clad former prosecutor stepped onto the podium to give her speech, she commended the women who fought for the right to vote and the women in her family who nurtured her.

“My mother instilled in my sister, Maya, and me the values that would chart the course of our lives,” Harris said, smiling at the camera. She added, “She taught us to put family first—the family you’re born into and the family you choose.”

Then, she named an important member of her chosen family.

“Family is my beloved Alpha Kappa Alpha ,” she said.

Widely known by the abbreviation AKA, Alpha Kappa Alpha is one of the nation’s storied Black sororities, counting such luminaries as novelist Toni Morrison , actress Phylicia Rashad and poet Maya Angelou among its members.

AKA had a profound impact on the vice president’s life. Harris, who is slated to give her speech accepting the presidential nomination later Thursday evening at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, joined the sorority in 1986, when she was a senior at Howard University, a federally chartered, historically Black university ( HBCU ) in Washington, D.C. But Harris’ affiliation with the group didn’t end when she graduated. Her sorority sisters became close friends, and many of them encouraged her on the 2020 campaign trail by making donations of exactly $19.08 , a reference to the year AKA was founded.

Harris’ tribute to AKA during her speech highlighted her affection for the group. Her emotional connection to the sorority was also reflected in the jewelry she wore: a 34-inch necklace adorned with Akoya and South Sea pearls. Pearls have been a symbol of AKA for decades. Its founders are referred to as the “ Twenty Pearls ,” and every inductee is given a badge with 20 pearls.

“The strand of pearls speaks to solidarity among the members,” Glenda Glover , international president of AKA, told Vanity Fair in 2020. “It’s a great moment for AKA. For African Americans. For women. Whether she wears pearls or not, it’s an inspiration.”

Harris has previously expressed this solidarity by wearing pearls at important events, from her college graduation photoshoot to her swearing in as a United States senator from California in 2017.

“Pearls represent refinement and wisdom,” Glover told Vanity Fair . “We train young ladies to be leaders and to make sure they have the wisdom to lead … and that goes hand in hand with the true meaning of what Alpha Kappa Alpha is all about.”

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture houses AKA badges , pendants , pins and other items in its collections.

Highlights include a pendant for an AKA member’s diamond anniversary, which has a sorority seal at its center. A diamond rests at the peak of the seal, honoring members who were initiated 75 years earlier. Another item, a pin for an honorary member of AKA, is festooned with three green ivy leaves, each of which is adorned with a gold letter. The leaves, which spell out the abbreviation AKA, are affixed to a gold circle border decorated with 20 opalescent pearls.

Leadership is a principle that underscores the “ Divine Nine ,” a group of nine historically Black fraternities and sororities that is formally known as the National Pan-Hellenic Council . Most of the Divine Nine were created in the early 20th century to foster communities of like-minded individuals and to improve the world around them, Lawrence C. Ross Jr., author of The Divine Nine: The History of African American Fraternities and Sororities , told NPR in 2020.

“You really begin to see development of African American fraternities right around 1906,” Ross said. “A lot of this is tied basically to the idea that college moved from being the place of the elite, where they would just go to be able to get a degree as part of the educated class, to a place where college was part of the social and economic movement in society.”

The author emphasized that these groups were important for building a sense of belonging and accountability, not just on an individual level, but to “enrich the community.”

In 1908, Ethel Hedgeman Lyle , then a student at Howard University, co-founded AKA with similar aims. She wanted to create a support network for Black women so that they could uplift themselves and others. According to the sorority’s website , Hedgeman and eight of her classmates formed a group that “fostered interaction, stimulation and ethical growth among members.” Five years later, members incorporated the group, ensuring its continuation in perpetuity.

From its inception, AKA has focused on learning, providing aid for the poor and advancing civil rights. Currently, the AKA site notes that the sorority boasts more than 360,000 initiated members across 12 nations and territories, including the United States, Canada and Germany.

During her 2020 acceptance speech, Harris said, “Every human being is of infinite worth, deserving of compassion, dignity and respect.” Her message resonated with thousands of women across the U.S., many of whom proposed wearing pearls on Inauguration Day in support of Harris. One Facebook group, previously named “ Wear Pearls on Jan 20, 2021 ,” and now called “ United by Pearls ,” currently has nearly 500,000 members.

“When you think about a pearl, it’s created by the roughness, you know, and we have pearls in every color, shape and size,” Hope Aloaye, founder of the Facebook group, told Smithsonian in 2021. “Pearls are linked to every woman.”

Though Aloaye is not a member of AKA, she still believes that championing other women is important and that wearing pearls can publicly display this camaraderie. “[We] have women of every color, race, size, ethnicity and vocation,” Aloaye said of the 2021 movement. “We have one common goal, which is to represent women on [January] 20 supporting a woman.”

In the three and a half years since her inauguration as vice president, Harris has continued the tradition of wearing pearls. Recently, the Democratic nominee for president has been pictured in pearls at rallies, from Eu Claire, Wisconsin , to Raleigh, North Carolina , as well as during a sit-down conversation with her vice presidential pick, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.

Pearls have proved to be fundamental in expressing the AKA sorority sisterhood and experience, just as Harris has described attending Howard and pledging AKA as being fundamental for her.

“We weren’t just told we had the capacity to be great; we were challenged to live up to that potential,” Harris wrote in her 2019 autobiography, The Truths We Hold: An American Journey . “There was an expectation that we would cultivate and use our talents to take on roles of leadership and have an impact on other people, on our country and maybe even on the world.”

This July, Harris again showcased her love for her sorority. She spoke at the AKA convention in Dallas, which was attended by an estimated 20,000 women .

“Sorors, as many of you know, this sisterhood has been a part of my life since my earliest days, starting with my aunt, Ms. Christine Simmons, who was initiated in 1950 at Howard University,” she said.

She continued, detailing what was happening in the nation when the sorority was created: “Our sisterhood was also founded, as we know, in the face of profound challenges in our country. Think about it. In 1908, women were not guaranteed the right to vote. There was not a single Black person in the United States Congress. And that year, 89 Black Americans were lynched, and that was just the number that was documented. And yet, despite all of this, and perhaps because of it, our founders believed in the power of sisterhood and service.”

For the occasion, Harris wore a pink pantsuit , representing one of the sorority’s signature colors, pink and green. And, of course, she wore pearls.

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Isis Davis-Marks | | READ MORE

Isis Davis-Marks is a freelance writer and artist based in New York City. Her work has also appeared in Artsy , the Columbia Journal , and elsewhere.

Kayla Randall | READ MORE

Kayla Randall is Smithsonian magazine's digital editor, museums.

What Is Speech Analytics?

Speech analytics records and analyzes conversations to understand the content and sentiment of business communication.

Speech analytics is a combination of technologies that capture and analyze spoken language to extract business insights. It focuses on what is said and how it’s said, offering a comprehensive understanding of both the content and context of the conversations.

In today’s business landscape, speech analytics enables organizations to improve customer service , minimize costs, ensure compliance and gain a competitive edge by better understanding customer needs and sentiments.

As businesses increasingly adopt digital communication channels, speech analytics is evolving to provide real-time insights across different ways consumers interact with a business.

What Industries Use Speech Analytics?

Speech analytics traditionally occurs in contact centers, where customer interactions are recorded and analyzed to improve service quality. Recently, though, it’s expanding to industries such as sales, marketing and even internal communications.

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How Does Speech Analytics Work? 

Core technologies.

The core technologies behind speech analytics include the following.

• Automatic speech recognition : Converts spoken language into text.
• Natural language processing : Analyzes and interprets the meaning and context of the transcribed text.
• Machine learning algorithms : Identify patterns, trends and anomalies in the data they collect.

Speech analytics typically follow these steps.

• Audio capture : Recording of conversations through various channels such as phone calls, video calls and face-to-face interactions.
• Transcription : Converting the audio recordings into text using automatic speech recognition.
• Embedding acoustic data : Pairing the acoustic data with the timings from the recognized transcript to capture how something is said.
• Text analysis : Applying NLP to understand the sentiment, keywords and context.
• Data analysis and visualization : Analyzing the combined data and presenting it in a user-friendly format, often through dashboards and reports, to derive business insights.

Features of Speech Analytics

The core feature of any speech analytics system is the speech-to-text engine or recognizer, which is responsible for converting spoken language into a text transcript.

This transcript is the foundation for building further analysis, allowing natural language processing and machine learning algorithms to process the content and context of the conversation.

Speech analytics is essentially text analytics applied to the recognized text of a conversation. It goes beyond mere text analysis, though, by incorporating conversation data such as pace, tone and volume, adding layers of context that provide a richer understanding of the interaction.

The outputs of speech analytics are multi-faceted and highly valuable to businesses, including the following.

• Transcripts : Accurate renderings of the spoken conversation into text form, which can be stored, searched and analyzed.
• Call scores : Evaluations based on targeted sentiments such as satisfaction, experience, participation, engagement, responsiveness, complexity and effort.
• Notable events : Key moments in the conversation, such as agreement, dissatisfaction or escalation, that require attention or action.
• Reasons for interaction : Insights into why the conversation took place, identifying the underlying motivations or issues.
• Topics and segments : Identification of the main topics discussed and the segmentation of the conversation into relevant parts for more focused analysis.

These features collectively allow businesses to extract actionable insights from spoken interactions, driving improvements in customer service, compliance and overall operational efficiency.

Speech Analytics Tools

In the rapidly evolving field of speech analytics, we can categorize tools based on their primary focus and capabilities. Here are some key categories.

Integration-Focused Tools

These tools emphasize seamless integration with existing business systems, such as customer relationship management platforms , enterprise resource planning systems and contact center infrastructure. They are designed to plug into existing workflows with minimal disruption, allowing businesses to quickly implement speech analytics without overhauling their systems.

Real-Time Analytics Tools

Real-time analytics tools offer immediate insights during customer interactions, enabling on-the-fly adjustments in response to customer sentiment, tone and context. These tools are critical in contact centers and sales organizations where instant feedback can directly influence outcomes.

Feature-Rich Tools

Some tools are distinguished by their robust feature sets, which may include the following.

• Query engine : Allows users to perform complex searches across large conversational data sets to uncover specific patterns or insights.
• Quality assurance : Ensures that interactions meet predefined standards by monitoring and scoring calls based on key performance indicators.
• Data streams : Facilitates the real-time or near-real-time processing of voice data, ensuring that insights are as current as possible.
• Applications and plug-ins : These tools often support various applications or plug-ins, allowing businesses to customize their speech analytics environment to meet specific needs, such as sentiment analysis , keyword spotting or automated call summaries.

Applications of Speech Analytics 

Industries using speech analytics tools.

Speech analytics tools are critical in industries with frequent customer interaction.

• Contact centers : These are the primary users of speech analytics, using it to enhance customer service, monitor agent performance and ensure compliance.
• Sales organizations : Speech analytics helps in analyzing sales calls to identify successful strategies and improve overall sales effectiveness.
• Healthcare : In healthcare, speech analytics can be used to improve patient interactions, monitor compliance with regulations and provide better training for patient-facing staff.
• Financial services : Financial institutions use these tools for compliance monitoring, fraud detection and improving customer service.

Real-Time and Post-Call Analytics

• Real-time analytics : Provides immediate insights during a call, allowing agents to adjust their approach based on customer sentiment and context.
• Post-call analytics : Analyzes recorded calls to identify trends, measure performance and develop strategies for improvement.

Benefits of Using Speech Analytics 

Improving customer service.

Speech analytics helps in understanding customer needs and sentiments, enabling organizations to provide personalized service. It can identify frequent issues and provide insights into customer expectations, leading to improved customer satisfaction.

By analyzing the tone and emotion in customer interactions, businesses can also address problems more proactively, leading to a better overall customer experience.

Saving Resources

By automating the analysis of customer interactions, speech analytics reduces the need for manual call monitoring, saving time and resources. It helps identify areas where you can optimize processes, leading to cost savings.

Additionally, speech analytics can pinpoint areas where you can improve self-service options, further reducing the workload on customer service representatives and lowering operational costs.

Enhancing Compliance and Risk Management

Speech analytics ensures compliance with industry regulations by monitoring all interactions for specific keywords and phrases. It can alert management to potential compliance breaches, reducing the risk of fines and legal issues. This proactive monitoring helps maintain high standards of compliance and minimizes the risk of non-compliance penalties.

Retaining Talent and Training Agents Faster

Speech analytics can be instrumental in employee training and development. By analyzing interactions, managers can identify areas where agents need improvement and provide targeted coaching.

This leads to faster training times and helps in retaining talent by continuously developing their skills and enhancing their job satisfaction. Effective training and coaching also lead to higher performance levels and reduced turnover rates.

Process Optimization and Self-Service Improvement

Identifying areas for self-service improvement is another significant benefit. Speech analytics can reveal common customer inquiries and issues that could be resolved through automated systems. By enhancing self-service options, businesses can reduce the volume of calls handled by human agents, allowing them to focus on more complex and value-added interactions.

Enhancing Customer Insights

Speech analytics provides insights into customer preferences, behavior and emerging trends. You can use this data to tailor products, services and marketing strategies to better meet customer needs. Understanding customer sentiment and feedback helps in making informed business decisions and improving overall customer engagement.

Improving Agent Performance and Customer Interactions

By providing real-time feedback to agents during calls, speech analytics can improve the quality of customer interactions. It can alert agents to use certain phrases or avoid specific words, leading to more positive customer experiences. Continuous monitoring and feedback help agents refine their communication skills and handle interactions more effectively.

Reducing Churn and Increasing Customer Retention

Speech analytics can identify patterns and warning signs of customer dissatisfaction, enabling businesses to take proactive measures to address issues before they lead to churn . By understanding and addressing the root causes of dissatisfaction, businesses can improve customer retention rates and build long-term loyalty .

Enhancing Strategic Planning

The insights gained from speech analytics can inform strategic planning and decision-making processes. By understanding customer needs and market trends, businesses can develop better strategies for growth and competitive advantage. Speech analytics provides a wealth of data that businesses can use to guide product development, marketing and customer service initiatives.

More on Voice Recognition Technology Voice Cloning: What It Is and Why It’s Scary

Limitations of Using Speech Analytics 

Technical challenges.

Implementing speech analytics can be technically challenging, requiring robust infrastructure and integration with existing systems. Ensuring the accuracy of transcriptions and interpretations, especially with diverse accents and languages , can also be difficult.

Privacy Concerns

The use of speech analytics raises privacy concerns, as it involves recording and analyzing customer interactions. Organizations must comply with data protection regulations and obtain necessary consent from customers. This is particularly important in industries where recording conversations is not a standard practice.

For instance, general contact centers that handle routine inquiries or sales transactions typically require a notification at the beginning of a call, informing the customer that calls may be monitored for quality assurance or similar purposes. This notice is a legal requirement in many jurisdictions to ensure transparency and obtain implicit consent for recording.

In contrast, certain types of contact centers, such as emergency services (e.g., 911 centers), may not require explicit consent to record interactions. These centers operate under different regulatory frameworks where the primary focus is on public safety, and recording is deemed essential for operational effectiveness.

Even in these cases, though, organizations must still adhere to relevant privacy laws and securely store recordings, accessed only by authorized personnel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the role of a speech analyst.

A speech analyst is a specialist responsible for interpreting the data generated by speech analytics tools. Their primary tasks include analyzing call recordings, identifying trends and providing actionable insights to help businesses improve customer service, ensure compliance and optimize operational efficiency.

How does speech analytics differ from text analytics?

While text analytics focuses on analyzing written content, speech analytics starts with spoken language, converting it to text and then applying similar analytical techniques. Speech analytics adds a layer of complexity by considering factors like tone, pace and volume.

What are challenges in implementing speech analytics?

Implementing speech analytics can be challenging due to technical requirements and the need for integration with existing systems. For real-time analytics, integration with computer-telephony integration systems is crucial, allowing data capture and analysis during live interactions. Ensuring that speech analytics tools work smoothly within the same environment as telephony and CRM systems can be complex and require additional customization.

Recent Natural Language Processing Articles

Oral Communication

a way for building the nation

Types of Speech Style

1. FROZEN STYLE

Used generally in very formal setting. Most formal communicative style for respectful situation Does not require any feedback from the audience Usually uses long sentences with good grammar and vocabulary The use of language is fixed and relatively static

Examples: national pledge, anthem, school creeds, marriage ceremonies, speech for a state ceremony

2. FORMAL STYLE

Used in speaking to medium to large groups May also be used in single hearers- strangers, older persons, professional Speaker must frame whole sentences ahead before they are delivered Avoids using slang terminologies language is comparatively rigid and has a set, agreed upon vocabulary that is well documented; is often of a standard variety.

Examples: meetings, speeches, school lessons, court, a corporate meeting, at a swearing in ceremony, in an interview or in a classroom

3. CONSULTATIVE STYLE

Used in semi-formal communication Happens in two-way participation Most operational among other styles Speaker does not usually plan what he wants to say Sentences end to be shorter ans spontaneous

Examples: regular conversation at schools, companies, group discussion, teacher-student, doctor-patient, expert-apprentice

4. CASUAL STYLE

Language used between friends Often very relaxed and focused on just getting the information out Slangs are quite often used in these instances. This style is used in informal situations and language Relationship between speaker and hearer is closed.

casual conversations with friends, family members, chats, phone calls and messages

5. INTIMATE STYLE

Completely private language used within family of very close friends or group Uses personal language codes Grammar is unnecessary Does not need complete language Certain terms of endearment, slangs or expressions whose meaning is shared with a small subset of persons to person.

https://oralcom.wordpress.com/2016/10/14/types-of-speech-styles/

Myka Angela Mortel

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Meandering? Off-Script? Trump Insists His ‘Weave’ Is Oratorical Genius.

Former President Donald J. Trump’s speeches often wander from topic to topic. He insists there is an art to stitching them all together.

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By Shawn McCreesh

For weeks, former President Donald J. Trump’s advisers have urged him to be more disciplined and to stop straying off-message.

But on Friday, while speaking at a rally in Johnstown, Pa., Mr. Trump insisted that his oratory is not a campaign distraction but rather a rhetorical triumph.

“You know, I do the weave,” he said. “You know what the weave is? I’ll talk about like nine different things, and they all come back brilliantly together, and it’s like, friends of mine that are, like, English professors, they say, ‘It’s the most brilliant thing I’ve ever seen.’”

Asked for examples of the technique, the Trump campaign provided what it called a “masterclass weave” — a four-minute, 20-second video of the candidate speaking at a rally in Asheville, N.C., in August in which he bounces from energy bills to Hunter Biden’s laptop to Venezuelan tar to mental institutions in Caracas to migrant crime to “the green new scam” to Vice President Kamala Harris.

In its disjointed way, it did all sort of seem to wend back to why he thinks he should be president again.

“Unlike Kamala Harris, who can’t put together a coherent sentence without a teleprompter, President Trump speaks for hours, telling multiple impressive stories at the same time,” said Karoline Leavitt, a spokeswoman for Mr. Trump. “Kamala Harris could never.”

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