Speech Styles in Oral Communication

Vocabulary flashcards summarizing the five speech styles (frozen, formal, consultative, casual, intimate) and their key characteristics.

Speech Style

The manner of verbal expression characterized by the degree of formality and the relationship between speaker and listener, ranging from frozen to intimate.

Frozen Style

The most formal and fixed speech style, ritualistic, static, often archaic, and requiring no audience feedback; used in prayers, oaths, pledges, the national anthem, and the Preamble.

Characteristics of Frozen Style

Long, well-constructed sentences, strict grammar and vocabulary, meaning open to interpretation, and not designed for interaction.

Formal Style

A carefully planned and organized speech used to impart information; employs correct grammar and diction and avoids slang. Common settings include meetings, interviews, and courts.

Planned Utterance

Speech prepared in advance to ensure clarity and accuracy, typical of the formal style.

Consultative Style

A semi-formal, two-way communication between people who do not share background knowledge; sentences are shorter and spontaneous. Examples include doctor–patient and teacher–student exchanges.

Two-Way Participation

Interactive dialogue where both speaker and listener provide feedback, a hallmark of the consultative style.

Casual Style

Informal, relaxed language used between friends or family, relying on slang and ellipsis. Found in everyday conversations, phone calls, and text messages.

Slang

Informal expressions and vocabulary typical of the casual style that may not be understood outside the social group.

Intimate Style

A private language shared by people in close relationships; uses personal codes, terms of endearment, and minimal grammar. Examples include lovers and married couples.

Personal Language Codes

Unique words or expressions understood only by members of an intimate group.

Levels of Formality

A scale of speech styles—frozen, formal, consultative, casual, and intimate—indicating decreasing formality and preparation.

No Audience Feedback

A condition where listeners are not expected to respond, characteristic of frozen style texts such as oaths or prayers.

Avoidance of Slang

The practice of using standard vocabulary and formal diction typical of formal style speeches.

Ritualistic Speech

A fixed set of words recited in ceremonies, belonging to the frozen style.