Speech Context and Speech Style

Speech Context
Speech context refers to the setting where communication process is occurring. This is an
important element in communication which will help the communicators in determining how to express their
sentiments and opinions in an environment-sensitive way. It is divided into two general types which are
intrapersonal communication and interpersonal communication.
Intrapersonal Communication
This is communication with oneself using internal vocalization or reflective thinking. Like other
forms of communication, intrapersonal communication is triggered by some internal or external stimulus. We
may, for example, communicate with our self about what we want to eat due to the internal stimulus of
hunger, or we may react intrapersonally to an event we witness. Unlike other forms of communication,
intrapersonal communication usually takes place inside our heads.
Other times, intrapersonal communication is undertaken in order to reflect upon or appreciate
something. There are three aspects of intrapersonal communication are self-concept, perception and
expectation.
 Self-concept is the basis for intrapersonal communication, because it determines how a

persona sees him/herself and is oriented toward others.
 Perception pertains to how you view all the things that are surrounding you.
 Expectations are future-oriented messages dealing with long-term roles, sometimes called
life scripts.
Interpersonal Communication
This is the process of exchanging messages between people whose lives mutually influence one
another in unique ways in relation to social and cultural norms. This definition highlights the fact that
interpersonal communication involves two or more people who are interdependent to some degree. This is
divided in three different forms namely, group communication, public communication and mass
communication.
 Group communication is a dynamic process where a small number of people engage in a

conversation.” (McLean, 2005). Group communication is generally defined as involving
three to eight people. The larger the group, the more likely it is to break down into smaller
groups.
 In public communication, one person speaks to a group of people. The speaker may ask
questions, and engage the audience in a discussion, but the dynamics of the conversation
are distinct from group communication, where different rules apply. In a public speaking
situation, the group normally submits themselves to the speaker.
o For example, the boss speaks to everyone, and the sales team quietly listens
without interruption.
 This generalization is changing as norms and expectations change, and many cultures
have a tradition of “call outs” or interjections that are not to be interpreted as interruptions
or competition for the floor, but instead as affirmations.
o The boss may say, as part of a charged-up motivational speech, “Do you hear
me?” and the sales team is expected to call back “Yes Sir!” The boss, as a public
speaker, recognizes that intrapersonal communication (thoughts of the individual
members) or interpersonal communication (communication between team
members) may interfere with this classic public speaking dynamic of all to one, or
the audience devoting all its attention to the speaker, and incorporate attention
getting and engagement strategies to keep the sales team focused on the
message.
Mass communication is a more public form of communication between an entity and a large and diverse
audience, mediated by some form of technology. This may be either real time or on a taped delay basis, or it
may be rooted in the usually recent past. Examples: Radio and television, newspapers and magazines.
Speech Style
According to Martin Joos (1976:156), speech style here means the form of language that the
speaker uses which characterized by the degree of formality. He identified the styles in five classes such as
frozen style, formal style, consultative style, casual style, and intimate style.
Frozen
 It is the most formal communicative style that is usually used during respectful events and
ceremonies. It also used when one shows hesitation, disinterest or prejudice. Frozen
speech is used generally in a very formal setting, does not require any feedback from the
audience, most formal communicative style for respectful situations. Some examples of
frozen speeches are pledges, anthems, marriage ceremonies, laws, etc.
Formal
 Formal speeches are straightforward speeches. In this speech style, the speaker avoids
using slang terminologies, what the speaker says is something that has been prepared
beforehand, its complex sentence and noun phrases are well structured, logically
sequenced and strongly coherent. Some examples of formal speeches are State of the
Nations’ Address (SONA), welcome address, announcements, etc.
Consultative
 This is used in semi-formal communication, sentences end to be shorter and

spontaneous, the speaker does not usually plan what he/she wants to say, most
operational among others. Some examples of consultative speeches are the lecture of a
teacher to students, the explanation of a doctor about the patients’ medication, a lawyer
trying to explain the case to his client, etc.
Casual
 This is an informal communication between groups and peers. Casual style is used in
conversation between friends and insiders who have something to share and have shared
background information but don’t have close relations. Some examples of casual
speeches are phone calls, everyday conversation with classmates, chitchats, etc.
Intimate
 For very close relationships like couples, family, and best friends. It is also used for self-
addressed questions or self-talk, etc. Intimate speech is used in conversation between
people who are very close and know each other quite well because they have the
maximum of shared background information. Some examples of an intimate speeches are
parents giving an advice to children, a very close friend sharing a very important secret, a
couple discussing their plans in the future, etc.

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Speech Context

 Self-concept is the basis for intrapersonal communication, because it determines how a

 Group communication is a dynamic process where a small number of people engage in a

 This is used in semi-formal communication, sentences end to be shorter and

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