SPEECH IN CONTEXT

2. In the previous lesson, we have learned
that communication has many contexts.
Speech context is described as a
situation or environment and a
circumstance in which communication
occurs. As we mention types of speech
context, we mean social relationships
and social situations.

3. In the different types of speech contexts, we
learned that we, as speakers can at the same be
listeners. We can also talk to someone, among
small groups or big groups and even through all
types of media such as on television, radio,
internet newspapers, or magazines.
Without a clear understanding of the types of
speech context, it will be difficult for us to
connect and adapt to the kind of conversation,
specifically, on the manner of utterances and
language forms that we will be using on various
occasions or situations.

4. Normally, communication involves a speaker
and an audience. A speaker delivers a
message to either a single audience or more.
Each context has different strategies that
a speaker can apply. The larger the
audience; the higher the level of formality.
In the same way, the smaller the number
of an audience; the closer the intimacy
and familiarity will occur.

5. Before communication takes place, you,
as a speaker has an aim in mind; a
purpose. The moment you talk, whether
in an ordinary conversation or in a
formal occasion, you always have a
reason. This happens when you intend
to open a topic to someone or some
group of people as your audience. There
are three types of speech according to
purpose.

6. 1. Informative speech
This is also known as expository speech.
When you speak to inform, your aim is to
provide the audience with information
about a topic, or to expand their
knowledge about a topic with which they
are already familiar.

7.  In this type of speech, you can explain,
demonstrate or instruct the audience or
listeners about your topic. In some
formal gatherings, for instance,
presenting an accomplishment report or
informing the audience on procedure on
how to do something, usually, there is a
visual presentation to support the
speaker's statements.

8. When you speak to persuade, you aim to
influence the audience to accept the
speaker's position or stand on an issue, and
to urge the audience to take a particular
action. As a speaker, you need to know the
reason why you persuade your audience.
This speech style is used in debates, political
campaigns, or appeals for donations.

9. When speaking to entertain, you aim to
amuse the audience and put them in a
pleasant or interesting diversion. This is
done by using a light, funny, or witty
anecdote. Usually, it is delivered at
social gatherings, like, dinner parties
and events. While you set the audience
to relax, still, you should have to focus.

11. When you interact with others, you use a
particular speech style. The type of speech
style you intend to use depends on the kind
of a social context that is, the social situation
and the social relationship involved between
or among the participants. You speak
differently and choose words carefully
according to whom you are talking to
because it is said that, language choice
reveals information about the social
relationship between or among people.

12. According to a Dutch linguist, Martin
Joos (1976) as mentioned by Balgos
& Sipacio (2016), Speech Style
means the form of language that the
speaker uses which is characterized
by the degree of formality. There are
five types of speech style: intimate,
casual, consultative, formal, and
frozen.

13. This style is private, which is used by a very close
relationship such as between husband and wife,
parents and children, between siblings, and
boyfriend and girlfriend. In this style, the participants
share a completely private vocabulary. Since the
participants have an intimate relationship, and they
often know each other's intention, there is no need
for a clear articulation of words. This uses words of
endearment like, "darling," "honey," "babe" etc. and
a high incidence of non-verbal Communication.

14. This speech style is conversational in tone and
has a free and easy participation. The
languages used among and between friends
or peers who share common interests are
general, jargon, slang, and colloquial. Informal
contractions are used (e.g., "ain't,“ "dunno,"
"gonna", "dude", "nope". Interruptions are
common. Nicknames are used. (Balgos &
Sipacio 2016. p.35)

15. This style is used in semi-formal communication in a
two-way participation. The sentences tend to be
shorter and spontaneous. This is considered as the
most operational style among the other styles where
a speaker needs to provide background information
because the listener (or addressee) may not be able
to understand without it. In turn, the listener
participates continuously by giving feedback like, "I
see", "Uh-huh", "Ah", "okay to signal that he or she
is paying attention to the speaker, or has understood
what was said. Thus, both the speaker and the
listener are active participants.

16. In this style, the speaker uses formal words and
expressions like complete sentences and technical
or academic vocabulary. In other words, this does
not allow omissions and contractions. It is a one-way
speaking to medium, or large groups. Since there is
little or no feedback from the listeners or audience,
the speaker needs to plan his or her utterances, or
what he or she is going to say. This speech style is
evident in conferences, inaugurations.

17. The speaker uses language in fixed and static
expressions that are rarely or never changed. This is
the most formal style and is reserved for very formal
situations such as in ceremonies, religious services,
state affairs, and court proceedings. It uses prescribed
and highly formal language, such as in official, or
historical documents and literary texts e.g. the
Preamble to the Constitution, Lord's Prayer, Allegiance
to country or flag. Important Note You should remember
that, there are some conversations with various kinds of
social relationships that demand tactfulness in the use
of words to have an effective communication.