Wesleyan University-Philippines: Maria Aurora, 3202, Aurora
Wesleyan University-Philippines: Maria Aurora, 3202, Aurora
A. Dyadic communication occurs when two people are conversing directly to one another. It is a form of
interpersonal communication that refers to the quantitative quality of a communicative relationship between
two people.
There are five types of speech style. Each type has an appropriate use that is determined by differing situations.
It would certainly be inappropriate to use language and vocabulary reserved for a boyfriend or girlfriend when speaking
in the classroom. Thus, the appropriate type of speech style depends upon the audience (who), the topic (what), purpose
(why) and location (where). You must control the use of speech styles in order to enjoy success in every aspect and
situation you encounter.
TYPES OF SPEECH STYLE
Types of speech style range on a scale from most formal to most informal. The five levels identified have been given
specialized names by Linguists frozen, formal, consultative, casual, and intimate.
1. Frozen
This style of communication rarely or never changes. It is “frozen” in time and content. E.g. the Pledge of allegiance,
the Lord’s Prayer, the Preamble to the Constitution, the Alma Mater, a bibliographic reference, laws.
2. Formal
This language is used in formal settings and is one-way in nature. This use of language usually follows a commonly
accepted format. It is usually impersonal and formal. A common format is speeches
E.g. sermons, rhetorical statements and questions, speeches, pronouncements, made by judges, announcements.
3. Consultative
This is a standard form of communications. Users engage in a mutually accepted structure of communications. It is
formal and societal expectations accompany the users of this speech. It is professional discourse. E.g. when strangers
meet, communications between a superior and subordinate, doctor & patient, lawyer & client, lawyer & judge, teacher
& student, counsellor & client.
4. Casual
This is informal language used by peers and friends. Slang, vulgarities, and colloquialisms are normal. This is
“group” language. One must be member to engage in this register. E.g. buddies, teammates, chats and emails, and
blogs, and letters to friends.
5. Intimate
This communication is private. It is reserved for close family members or intimate people. E.g. husband & wife,
boyfriend & girlfriend, siblings, parent & children.
Matching the speaker’s action in column A with the appropriate speech type of communication in column B.
A B
ACTIVITY 7.2
Identify whether the following communication situations are intimate, casual, consultative, formal or frozen.
ACTIVITY 7.3
Arrange the following statements (5 as the most formal and 1 as the least formal)