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Speech Style and Context

Speech Style and Context


Speech styles vary according to
social context --- who we are
talking to, about what purposes.

There are two parts to our chosen


communication style:
how direct we are in expressing our
views, wants, and opinions
and the thought or consideration that
the sender of the message gives to the
opinions, wants and needs of the recipient.

In psychological terms, each


participant in the communicatio
process ends each communication as
either a winner or loser. The ideal, of
course is to work toward a win-win
situation.

hig
h

Openly Agressive
Behavior

Directness of
Communication

I am direct in
expressing my needs,
wants, and opinions
and I give no thought
to other peoples.

lo
w

Passive
I win, youAgressive
lose.
Behavior
I indirectly make sure
that others are aware
of my needs, wants,
and opinions and that
these are more
importan than theirs.

Assertive Behavior
I clearly express my
needs, wants, and
opinions in a way
which is considerate of
others.
I win, you win.
Passive Behavior
I do not express my
needs, wants, and
opinions directly. I put
others needs above
my own.
I lose, you win.

I win, you lose.


low
Thoughts given to
others

high

Another way of classifying speech


styles considers the level of formality
and status. Depending on the degrees
of closeness or relational proximity
between the sender and the receiver.
Speech style may move from less
normal (intimate) to most formal
(frozen)

Intimate Casual Consultative Formal


Frozen

Register

Definition

Explanation

Frozen

Language that
never changes

Wedding vows,
Miranda rights

Formal

Standard English

Consultative

Less formal
standard English

Casual

Loose sentence
Language between
structure,
friends
vernacular speech

Intimate

Language between
lovers or other
Pet names, inside
close family and
jokes
friends

Speeches, school
lessons
News casting,
employee to
employer

Communication style is characterized by


the way people appear in communication,
the way they relate to the ones they
communicate and how their messages are
typically interpreted.
They express not only aspects of their
identity such as their age, gender, family,
and social background they also indicate
the contexts in which language is used.

Descriptions of others styles that may be useful in


particular contexts:
Specific: precise and detailed
Well-reasoned: providing convincing argumentation

and reasoning
Confident: assured of personal and other abilities
Supportive: helpful, caring, encouraging,
understanding and reassuring
Expressive: effectively conveying meaning or
feeling
Forceful: pushy; authoritative; threathening,
aggressive

Language varies according to use


and the users according to where it is
used and to whom, as well as
according to who is using it.

Oral Interpretation and


Delivery Techniques

Oral Interpretation and Delivery


Tecniques

Oral interpretation will help you to become a


better communicator, as it requires
awareness of how words are combined to
create mood and meaning.
To do this, it is important to study the piece
so that you will understand not just all the
words but also how the writer has created
mood and meaning which you now need to
give voice to.

The essential element to interpret a piece


is study and preparation.
Consider the attitude, feelings, emotion or
temperament of the person who wrote the
selection because these gives meaning to
the words and point to the style of reading
aloud which you will use in your
interpretation.

You must remember to make the piece


your own when you interpret it.
Identify the words and ideas that need
emphasis.
Recall your own experiences to help you in
understanding the authors mood.

Put your vocal skills into good use to


recreate the writers meaning.
While your voice is the main tool to get the
meaning of the literary piece across, you
will find that the movements can add
much to your interpretation

Sources:
Ochoa-Fernandez, Ana Marie & Suarez, Elineth Elizabeth L. (2016). Speak
and listen in context: An oral communication textbook for senior high
school. Quezon City: Phoenix Publishing House.
https://www.altalang.com/beyond-words/2012/05/01/how-did-thatregister-five-levels-of- formality-in-language/

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