Lesson 3: Speech Style

Speech Styles

A style of speaking characterized by the level of formality, objective, and audience.
According to Martin Joos (1959), there are five types of speech styles based on formality, also known as language registers:
- Intimate
- Casual
- Consultative
- Formal
- Frozen

Audience – Who you are speaking to (e.g., friends, teachers).
Topic – The subject matter (e.g., serious or lighthearted).
Purpose – The goal of communication (e.g., sharing or persuading).
Location – The setting of the conversation (e.g., formal events, casual spaces).

Intimate Speech Style
- Characteristics:
  - Most informal, private communication.
  - Uses shared vocabulary and inside jokes.
  - Grammar is less important, relies on nonverbal cues.
- Examples:
  - Between husband and wife, close friends, or family.
  - E.g., “Sweetheart, our anniversary is coming up!”
Casual Speech Style
- Characteristics:
  - Relaxed tone, uses slang, nicknames, and informal contractions.
  - Interruptions are common.
- Examples:
  - Friends or classmates chatting.
  - E.g., “Hey Nicky, wanna watch a movie this weekend?”
Consultative Speech Style
- Characteristics:
  - Formal, professional two-way conversation.
  - Grammar and technical terms are important.
- Examples:
  - Doctor and patient, teacher and student.
Formal Speech Style
- Characteristics:
  - One-way communication, well-organized, and grammatically correct.
- Examples:
  - Presentations, inaugural speeches.
Frozen Speech Style
- Characteristics:
  - Static, ritualistic, often ceremonial.
  - Uses fixed expressions and unchanging language.
- Examples:
  - National Anthem, Oath of Office, marriage vows.