WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY-PHILIPPINES

Maria Aurora, 3202, Aurora

LESSON 10: TYPES OF SPEECH CONTEXT

Do you often catch yourself daydreaming about your crush? How

much time do you spend chatting with your boy friends or girl friends?
Can you recall a time when you gave a speech in front of a group? Do you
notice that we communicate in various speech situations?
It is very true that we always talk to ourselves, friends, and groups of
numerous people. Definitely, we have different kinds of conversation in a
single day. We discuss different occasions. It is a fact that we
communicate differently in different speech contexts or situations.
TURN UP YOUR KNOWLEDGE!
Scholars categorize different types of speech context. These distinctions are somewhat artificial, since types of
communication more realistically fit on a continuum rather than in separate categories. Nevertheless, to understand the
various types of speech context, it is helpful to consider the main factor which is the number of communicators (one
through many).
In this lesson, we will describe three types of speech context that oral communication often takes:
1. INTRAPERSONAL COMMUNICATION is self-talk or a conversation you hold with yourself under certain
circumstances – for example, when you need to make an important decision or learn something about yourself. You
may wonder whether intrapersonal communication is just another way
describing the thinking process. In a way, that would be correct.
Intrapersonal communication is a form of thinking that goes on inside
us which relies on language to express itself. It is similar to the
Shakespearean “soliloquy” where the character in question engages in
self-talk to reflect on events that have transpired (please refer to the
figure below). Intrapersonal communication often increases self-
awareness and mindfulness, and hones critical thinking skills.
Shakespearean Soliloquy

2. INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION is communication between several people. This form of

communication may range from the impersonal to the very personal. Impersonal communication is when you talk
with a person you do not really care about – there is often coldness or indifference in your attitude when you engage
in this kind of situation. Then, there is social communication where you engage in niceties with people you meet in
social context. The most personal type of communication occurs when you talk with people who are close to you, for
example, your best friend, your family members and colleagues. Such relationships are interdependent, meaning that
the actions of one party very often directly affect the other party. Interpersonal communication can take place face to
face as well as through electronic channels like video-conferencing, chat rooms, e-mail and Twitter. There are two
kinds of interpersonal communication and these are dyad and small group.

A. Dyadic communication occurs when two people are conversing directly to one another. It is a form of
interpersonal communication that refers to the quantitative quality of a communicative relationship between
two people.

B. Small Group communication is interpersonal communication within groups of between 3 and 20

individuals. Groups generally work in a context that is both relational and social.

Dyadic communication Small group communication

“BUILDING PEOPLE, MAKING A DIFFERENCE”

WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY-PHILIPPINES
Maria Aurora, 3202, Aurora

3. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION also known as public

speaking, involves communication between a speaker and an
audience. This audience may range from from just a few people
to thousands or even millions of people. The aim of the speaker
is usually to inform or to persuade the audience to act, buy, or
think in a certain way. A teacher may address an assembly of
students on codes of behaviour or school rules. A politician
may make speeches on how he will be dealing with certain
issues in order to win their votes. An executive may give a
business presentation to get more sales. It is important to understand some of the basic principles of effective public
speaking so that you are able to influence, persuade as well as entertain your entertain your audience when you
communicate with them.

LESSON 11: TYPES OF SPEECH STYLE

There are five types of speech style. Each type has an appropriate use that is determined by differing situations.
It would certainly be inappropriate to use language and vocabulary reserved for a boyfriend or girlfriend when speaking
in the classroom. Thus, the appropriate type of speech style depends upon the audience (who), the topic (what), purpose
(why) and location (where). You must control the use of speech styles in order to enjoy success in every aspect and
situation you encounter.
TYPES OF SPEECH STYLE
Types of speech style range on a scale from most formal to most informal. The five levels identified have been given
specialized names by Linguists frozen, formal, consultative, casual, and intimate.
1. Frozen
This style of communication rarely or never changes. It is “frozen” in time and content. E.g. the Pledge of allegiance,
the Lord’s Prayer, the Preamble to the Constitution, the Alma Mater, a bibliographic reference, laws.

2. Formal
This language is used in formal settings and is one-way in nature. This use of language usually follows a commonly
accepted format. It is usually impersonal and formal. A common format is speeches
E.g. sermons, rhetorical statements and questions, speeches, pronouncements, made by judges, announcements.

3. Consultative
This is a standard form of communications. Users engage in a mutually accepted structure of communications. It is
formal and societal expectations accompany the users of this speech. It is professional discourse. E.g. when strangers
meet, communications between a superior and subordinate, doctor & patient, lawyer & client, lawyer & judge, teacher
& student, counsellor & client.

4. Casual
This is informal language used by peers and friends. Slang, vulgarities, and colloquialisms are normal. This is
“group” language. One must be member to engage in this register. E.g. buddies, teammates, chats and emails, and
blogs, and letters to friends.

5. Intimate
This communication is private. It is reserved for close family members or intimate people. E.g. husband & wife,
boyfriend & girlfriend, siblings, parent & children.

“BUILDING PEOPLE, MAKING A DIFFERENCE”

WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY-PHILIPPINES
Maria Aurora, 3202, Aurora

Name: ______________________________________________________ Score: _________________

Grade & Section: __________________________

ORAL COMMUNICATION IN CONTEXT

Lessons: 10 and 11
ACTIVITY 7.1

Matching the speaker’s action in column A with the appropriate speech type of communication in column B.

A B

______ 1. A woman talking to herself a. public communication

______ 2. Two people talking b. small group
______ 3. A boss talking to his employees c. dyad
______ 4. Teacher giving tutorial to five students d. interpersonal
______ 5 A mayor talking on TV e. intrapersonal

ACTIVITY 7.2

Identify whether the following communication situations are intimate, casual, consultative, formal or frozen.

_______________ 1. “I, Juan dela Cruz, do solemnly swear…”

_______________ 2. "Hail Mary full of grace the Lord is with thee.”
_______________ 3. “Term papers are to be submitted on or before December 15.”
_______________ 4. “Please be guided accordingly.”
_______________ 5. “Hey, Mom! I like Ice cream.”
_______________ 6. “I’ll give you a call when I arrive home, Sweetheart.”
_______________ 7. “Hey, dude! Wazzup?”
_______________ 8. “Take this medicine three times a day without fail.”
_______________ 9. “Honorable Congresswoman Leni Robredo, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
a pleasant good evening…”
_______________ 10. “Whatsoever ye do to the least of my brothers, ye do unto Me.”

ACTIVITY 7.3

Arrange the following statements (5 as the most formal and 1 as the least formal)

______ 1. Participants should remain seated throughout the ceremony.

______ 2. Those taking part should sit during the proceedings.
______ 3. Would you please stay in your seats?
______ 4. Don’t get up.
______ 5. Sit tight.

“BUILDING PEOPLE, MAKING A DIFFERENCE”