Oral Communication in Text - PDF

Module 5 Speech Styles Speech styles refer to the way people speak depending on their relationship with others, the context, and the purpose of communication. These styles affect: Language form: Formal or informal words. Duration of interaction: Short or long conversations. Rela...

Module 5 Speech Styles Speech styles refer to the way people speak depending on their relationship with others, the context, and the purpose of communication. These styles affect: Language form: Formal or informal words. Duration of interaction: Short or long conversations. Relationship: Close or distant. Message delivery: Casual or professional tone. There are five main speech styles, each with unique characteristics: Intimate Style When used: Between close friends, family, or loved ones. Features: ○ Private language, like nicknames or inside jokes, that only close people understand. ○ No need for formal grammar or structure. ○ Very relaxed and personal. Examples: Talking to your sibling about a funny moment. Whispering sweet words to a loved one. Casual Style When used: Among friends, peers, or people of the same social group. Features: ○ Informal language, including slang, jargon, and contractions. ○ Includes body language or non-verbal communication. ○ Friendly and relaxed tone. Types of Slang: 1. Country Slang: Used in rural areas (e.g., "redneck" for farmers). 2. Urban Slang: Common in cities (e.g., "awesome sauce" for something amazing).  3. Gay Slang: Used in the LGBTQI+ community (e.g., "yas queen"). 4. Common Slang: Used by almost everyone (e.g., "kudos" for respect). Jargon: Special words used in specific professions or industries. Examples: ○ In technology: "FAQ" (Frequently Asked Questions). ○ In accounting: "Depreciation" (value decrease over time). Examples of Casual Style: Chatting with a friend about a movie. Sharing jokes in a group chat. Consultative Style When used: In conversations with professionals or strangers where feedback is necessary. Features: ○ Polite and respectful tone. ○ Uses professional or commonly accepted language. ○ Interaction is cooperative, with both speaker and listener contributing. Examples: A doctor explaining a diagnosis to a patient. Asking for directions from someone you don’t know. Formal Style When used: In structured situations where feedback isn’t expected. Features: ○ Complex sentences with proper grammar. ○ Focuses on delivering information clearly. ○ Maintains social distance between speaker and audience. Examples: A President’s State of the Nation Address. A teacher giving a lecture in class. Frozen Style When used: In very formal or ceremonial settings. Features: ○ Language is fixed and unchanging. ○ Often involves traditional phrases or texts. ○ No interaction or feedback is expected. Examples: Reciting the national anthem. Religious prayers or rituals. Module 6 What Are Speech Acts? Speech acts are the ways we use language to achieve specific purposes. For example: Making requests. Giving instructions. Expressing emotions or intentions. Every speech act has three parts: 1. Locution: The actual words spoken (the utterance). 2. Illocution: The intention behind the words. 3. Perlocution: The effect or response caused by the words. Locution (Utterance) This is the act of saying something that has meaning. Examples of locution: ○ “Please cook the food.” ○ “Do not touch my belongings.” ○ “Would you lend me some cash?” Subcategories of Locution: 1. Phonic Act: Producing sounds or written symbols.  2. Phatic Act: Creating well-formed expressions in a language (e.g., sentences or phrases). 3. Rhetic Act: Giving context to the utterance, like assigning meaning or clarifying. Illocution (Intention) Illocution refers to the speaker’s intended action or purpose when speaking. It’s about what the speaker means by their words. Types of Illocutionary Acts: 1. Assertive: To share information or state something true. ○ Example: “The dog is on the platform.” ○ The speaker believes the statement. 2. Directive: To get someone to do something. ○ Example: “Remove the dog from the platform.” ○ The speaker wants the listener to act. 3. Commissive: To commit to a future action. ○ Example: “I promise to remove the dog.” ○ The speaker intends to act. 4. Expressive: To express feelings or emotions. ○ Example: “I’m sorry, but I don’t like dogs.” ○ The speaker shares their feelings. 5. Declaration: To create immediate changes through speech. ○ Example: A judge says, “You are guilty.” ○ The speaker causes a new reality with their words. Perlocution (Effect) Perlocution refers to the result of the speech act—how the listener responds or what effect the words have. Examples: ○ “Please cook the food.” → The listener cooks the food. ○ “Do not touch my belongings.” → The listener avoids touching the belongings. Possible Effects: Convincing or persuading someone. Inspiring or motivating others.  Surprising or scaring someone. Module 7 What is Communicative Competence? Definition: The ability to effectively convey, interpret, and negotiate meanings in communication. It involves understanding the context, structuring messages clearly, and responding appropriately. Four Areas of Communicative Competence 1. Linguistic Competence Knowledge of grammar and language rules to construct correct sentences. Ensures the message is clear and understandable. 2. Sociolinguistic Competence Sensitivity to the social context, such as: ○ The relationship between speakers. ○ The topic and setting of the conversation. Helps adapt speech to match the situation and audience. 3. Discourse Competence Ability to structure sentences cohesively and coherently, especially during long conversations or speeches. Keeps the audience engaged and ensures logical flow. 4. Strategic Competence Capacity to handle communication breakdowns and maintain interaction. Examples: Paraphrasing, using gestures, or clarifying a misunderstood point. Communicative Strategies These are techniques used during interactions to ensure smooth communication. 1. Nomination  Suggesting or introducing a topic for conversation. Tips: ○ Start with something relatable or interesting. ○ Avoid controversial topics that might lead to debates. 2. Restriction Setting boundaries on the conversation’s content. Examples: ○ Adapting speech when talking to friends versus addressing a formal audience. 3. Turn-Taking Deciding who speaks next in a conversation. Ensures everyone has a chance to participate. 4. Topic Control Keeping the discussion focused on relevant issues. May depend on the formality of the situation. ○ Example: “Let’s not talk about that right now. Let’s focus on…” 5. Topic Shifting Transitioning smoothly from one subject to another. ○ Example phrases: “By the way…” or “With regards to that…” 6. Repair Correcting misunderstandings or mistakes to restore rapport. ○ Example: Apologizing or rephrasing a mispronounced word. 7. Termination Ending a conversation politely and effectively. ○ Example: “I’m afraid I have to go. It was nice talking to you.” Module 8 Informative Speech  Purpose: To educate the audience by providing information they may not already know. Key Features: ○ Focused on delivering facts, explanations, or descriptions. ○ Can use visuals or demonstrations to clarify ideas. Types of Informative Speeches 1. Objects or People: Describes physical things or individuals using sensory details. ○ Example: A speech about a school’s facilities. 2. Process: ○ Explains a sequence of steps or how something is done. ○ Example: Instructions for online banking. 3. Events: ○ Discusses past, present, or future happenings. ○ Example: Presenting a company’s progress at a stockholders’ meeting. 4. Concepts: ○ Explores abstract ideas like theories or principles. ○ Example: Analyzing the pros and cons of online classes. Persuasive Speech Purpose: To influence the audience’s beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors. Key Features: ○ Uses logical arguments, emotional appeals, or credibility to persuade. ○ Challenges the audience to take a specific action or change their mindset. Entertainment Speech Purpose: To provide enjoyment and a positive experience for the audience. Key Features: ○ Often includes humor, anecdotes, or lighthearted topics. ○ Geared toward engaging and amusing the audience while possibly sharing a subtle message. Tips for Effective Entertainment Speeches: Choose a fun, light topic. Visualize the story in your mind before delivering it. Enjoy the moment and connect with the audience.  Add surprises to maintain interest. Module 9 Manuscript Speech Definition: The speech is read word-for-word from a written or visual material. Preparation: ○ Written in advance and rehearsed for precision. ○ Commonly used for formal and historical occasions. Advantages: Ensures accuracy and control over language. Avoids mental blocks since the speech is pre-written. Disadvantages: Can sound stiff or non-conversational. Difficult to adjust delivery if needed. Examples: News reports. Courtroom proceedings. Ceremonial addresses. Memorized Speech Definition: The speech is fully memorized and delivered without any notes or prompts. Preparation: Requires committing the entire content to memory. Advantages: Allows for better use of body language and gestures. No physical restrictions from holding scripts or notes. Disadvantages: Time-consuming to memorize. Mistakes can be difficult to recover from. Examples: Oratorical contests. Theater performances. Impromptu Speech Definition: Delivered with little to no preparation, often on the spot. Purpose: Useful for sudden or unplanned speaking situations. Advantages: Natural and conversational tone. No need for advance preparation. Disadvantages: Risk of rambling or incoherence without topic knowledge. Can be nerve-wracking due to lack of preparation. Examples: First-day introductions at school or work. Job or ambush interviews. Strategies: 1. PAST-PRESENT-FUTURE: Organize the speech chronologically. 2. POINT-REASON-EXAMPLE-POINT: State your idea, explain, and provide examples. 3. BRIDGING: Connect known ideas to new ones. 4. REFRAMING: Redefine the topic to make it manageable. Extemporaneous Speech Definition: Delivered with the help of notes or an outline, not fully memorized or read. Preparation: Allows for flexibility and spontaneity. Advantages: Easier to establish eye contact and rapport with the audience. Balances preparation with a natural tone. Disadvantages: Requires practice to maintain flow and confidence. Examples: Class presentations. Election campaign speeches. Wedding toasts. Tips: Create an outline to organize main points. Rehearse to gain confidence. Limit your main ideas to three for clarity.