S P E E C H C O N t e x t
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refers to the situation or environment and the circumstances in which communication occurs.
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Types of Speech Context
Intrapersonal Speech Context
This type of speech context involves one participant only; that is, the individual is both the sender and the receiver of the message in the communication process. Intrapersonal communication is simply communicating within oneself.
Interpersonal Speech Context
An interpersonal communication is an interaction between two or more participants. Interpersonal communication can be direct (face-to-face encounter) or indirect (done through the use of a tool or technology like talking to someone over the telephone or Internet, communicating by e-mail, and teleconferencing in distance-learning class).
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Dyad - composed of two participants who take turns as the sender and the receiver in the interaction. It is also known as “one-to-one communication”.
Small Group – composed of three or more participants, or a group of participants, who engage in a discussion to achieve a common goal.
Public /Mass Communication Speech Context
This type of speech context involves a single speaker and a sizable number of persons or an audience. The speaker is tasked to deliver a message or a speech of general interest to the audience.
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S P E E C H S T Y L E S
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Casual Speech Style
A casual speech style is used in relaxed or informal conversations between or among friends, peers, colleagues, or family who share a common knowledge or interest.
Slang (or nonstandard words or expressions), colloquial words, elliptical sentences (some words are omitted), and informal contractions (e.g., “ain’t,” “dunno,” “gonna”) are used.
Interruptions are common.
Nicknames are used in addressing one another.
·Intimate Speech Style
An intimate speech style is used by participants who share a very close relationship such as between very close friends, siblings, husband and wife, parents and children, and boyfriend and girlfriend.
The following are some other features of an intimate speech style:
Conversations are usually done in private. Participants usually use short, incomplete utterances.
Grammar and proper word choice are not given importance. Nonverbal messages are often used.
Participants share inside jokes.
Words that signal intimacy like terms of endearment (e.g., “darling,” “honey,” “babe”) are used.
·Consultative Speech Style
This style is considered to be the most operational style among the other styles. It is used in a semiformal situation where a speaker needs to provide background information because the listener (or addressee) may not be able to understand without it.
·Formal Speech Style
A formal style is often used in formal situations, such as in a graduation ceremony, an official meeting, a television newscast, and a conference, where there is only one-way communication. Since there is little or no feedback from the listeners or audience, the speaker needs to plan ahead his or her utterances, or what he or she is going to say.
Other characteristics of the formal style are:
Interruptions are not allowed. Only the speaker is the source of information. Pronunciation is very clear.
Words are carefully chosen, and grammar rules are followed. Ellipsis (omission of one or more words) is not allowed.
Sentence structures are more complex and varied. Extensive and technical vocabulary is required.
Ideas are cohesive and organized.
·Frozen Speech Style
A frozen speech style, also called the oratorical style, is the most formal style and is reserved for very formal situations such as in religious services, state affairs, and court proceedings. This style is used to address or given before an audience of absolute strangers. It uses prescribed and highly formal language, such as in official or historical documents and literary texts.
VERBAL COMMUNICATION
Verbal communication refers to the use of words or speech in sending messages and transmitting ideas or feelings. The communicators make use of language in order to convey what they would like others to know.
NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION
Nonverbal communication refers to the act of expressing ideas in ways that do not involve or go beyond using words. Body language, appearance, voice, and environment are some of the nonverbal cues that greatly affect the meaning of one's message.
Types of Nonverbal Communication
Proxemics
Proxemics refers to the space or distance between the sender and the receiver.
Kinesics
Kinesics refers to the use of body language in communication. This includes gestures, eye contact, and facial expressions.
Chronemics
Chronemics refers to the role of time in the communication process. Since various cultures may have different perceptions of time when it comes to punctuality or in interactions, chronemics may greatly affect communication.
Paralanguage
Paralanguage refers to the tone, speed, and volume of a speaker's voice. Sighs and gasps are also considered as paralanguage.
Haptics
Haptics is the use of touch to convey meaning in a conversation. This is often dependent on culture. In some countries, friendly touching is encouraged, but in others, it is considered an invasion of one's personal space.
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S P E E C H A C T S
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·Locutionary Act
A locutionary act refers to the act of saying something or the actual words spoken. Example:
John: It’s really cold in here. Explanation:
The basic act of utterance that John made is a locutionary act.
·Illocutionary Act
An illocutionary act refers to the act a speaker performs in saying the utterance. The speaker makes a locutionary act with some intention in mind.
Assertives
The speaker commits to something being the case. Examples of this kind are stating, suggesting, asserting, describing, insisting, swearing, and concluding (that something is the case).
Example:
I am wearing a yellow shirt. (stating/describing)
Directives
The speaker gets the addressee to do something. Examples are requesting, ordering, challenging, daring, commanding, pleading, and asking (someone to perform an action).
Example:
Could you please buy me some food? (asking/requesting/ordering)
Commissives
The speaker commits to some future course of action. Examples include offering, promising, vowing, and planning.
Example:
I will eat a balanced diet from now on. (vowing)
Expressives
The speaker expresses his thoughts about something or a certain situation. Examples are congratulating, thanking, apologizing, condoling, and welcoming.
Example:
I’m deeply sorry for what I said to you yesterday. (apologizing)
Declarations
The speaker brings about immediate changes in the state of affairs solely in virtue of the utterance. Examples of this kind are appointing, nominating, baptizing, blessing, declaring (war), and firing.
Example:
I nominate Miss May Pascual for class president. (nominating)
Perlocution
A perlocutionary act refers to the effects, which may be intended or not, the utterance has on the behavior, thoughts, and feelings of the addressee. To simply put it, by saying something, a speaker gets an addressee to do something.