Speech styles refer to the various ways in which people express themselves verbally. Different situations, contexts, and even personal preferences may call for different speech styles. Here are five types of speech styles you can go for:
Formal Speech:
Characteristics: Formal speech is characterized by the use of complete sentences, proper grammar, and a respectful tone. It is often used in professional settings, academic presentations, or formal ceremonies. Vocabulary tends to be more sophisticated, and the speaker may use titles and honorifics.
Informal Speech:
Characteristics: Informal speech is casual and relaxed. It may involve the use of contractions, slang, and colloquial expressions. Informal speech is common in everyday conversations with friends, family, or acquaintances. The tone is often more personal, and there may be a higher level of familiarity between the speaker and the audience. It is also the one to go to if you’ve got some jokes or lighthearted content in your speech!
Technical Speech:
Characteristics: Technical speech is characterized by specialized terminology and jargon related to a specific field or industry. It is often used in professional or academic settings where a high level of expertise is assumed among the audience. Clarity and precision are essential in technical speech to convey complex ideas accurately.
Persuasive Speech:
Characteristics: Persuasive speech aims to influence the audience's beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors. The speaker uses rhetoric and compelling arguments to persuade listeners to adopt a particular point of view or take specific action. Persuasive speeches often include emotional appeals, anecdotes, and strong evidence to support the speaker's position.
Extemporaneous Speech:
Characteristics: Extemporaneous speech is delivered with minimal preparation. The speaker has a general idea of the topic but does not memorize the entire speech. Instead, they rely on notes, bullet points, or an outline. This style allows for a more natural and spontaneous delivery while still maintaining organization and coherence. You may want to go for this one if you’re the type who likes to go with the flow rather than stick to a script.
These speech styles are not mutually exclusive, and a speaker may use a combination of styles depending on the audience, purpose, and context of the communication.