Speech and Speech Styles
Speech and Speech Styles
Types of Speech
Speeches can be categorized into different types depending on (1) Purpose: to
inform, to entertain, and to persuade and (2) Delivery: impromptu, extemporaneous,
manuscript, and memorized.
Informative speech varies depending on the topic. These are speeches about
objects or people, processes, events, concepts. The primary purpose of this type of
speech is to inform and provide knowledge to the listeners. The lectures of your
teachers are the best examples of this type.
Entertainment speech aims to share goodwill, joy, and pleasure to the audience.
The primary goal is to make the audience relax, enjoy, and even laugh. This means
that you, the speaker, is expected to be friendly and relaxed, but still courteous
during the speech delivery. Moreover, you should know your audience well in order
to entertain them effectively. The humorous speeches of comedians and performers
are the best example of this type.
Manuscript speech is writing and delivering a speech word for word. You read or
glance upon your manuscript or a copy of your speech while delivering it.
This method is the most advantageous to public figures since they are always
constrained by a hectic schedule, so they need ghost writers. Consequently, they
would have to read the text of the speech as it is. The President’s State of the Nation
Address (SONA) is a concrete example of this situation. Media personalities and
speakers on radio and television always battle with time limits. For example, a
televised panel discussion about a social issue may require radio and TV anchors to
critically choose and refine the words of their speech in advance. Moreover,
spokespersons for government and private organizations also use this type of
speech since this public speaking role requires a great deal of contemplation and
preparation. For example, speeches of different country’s spokespersons in an
international seminar on climate change.
Memorized speech requires you to commit the speech to memory so that you do
not bring your notes when delivering it. As with the manuscript speech, you also run
the risk of sounding mechanical during a memorized delivery. For this reason, keep
your memorized speech short and work harder on your facial expressions and the
tone of your voice.
When should you memorize? Although keeping a speech in memory is needed only
on very rare occasions, memorizing a speech can help you achieve a smooth and
effortless delivery. You do not need to focus on notes or a manuscript. You can
concentrate on maintaining eye contact with your audience, establishing rapport, and
interacting with your audience. Since memorizing can be very tough and mechanical,
it is best that you memorize short speeches for special occasions. A memorized
speech works best for the introduction of a guest, acceptance of award or
recognition, toast, eulogy, tribute, and the like.
1. Intimate – This style is private, which occurs between or among close family
members or individuals. The language used in this style may not be shared in public.
2. Casual – This style is common among peers and friends. Jargon, slang, or the
vernacular language are used.
4. Formal – This style is used in formal settings. Unlike the consultative style, this is
one-way. Examples are sermons by priests and ministers, State of the Nation
Address of the President, formal speeches, or pronouncements by judges.
5. Frozen – This style is ―frozen‖ in time and remains unchanged. It mostly occurs in
ceremonies. Common examples are the Preamble to the Constitution, Lord’s Prayer,
and Allegiance to country or flag.
III. ACTIVITIES
A. Practice Tasks
Score 1 2 3 4
Total:
Source: Department of Education. Oral Communication in Context (For Senior High
School). 839 EDSA, South Triangle, Quezon City: C & E Publishing, Inc., 2016.
4. The purpose of this speech is not to educate, inform, or inspire because the
primary goal is to make the audience relax, enjoy, and even laugh.
A. Entertainment B. Impromptu C. Informative
8. Jargon, slang or the vernacular language are not acceptable in the casual style.
A. True B. False
Fill in the graphic organizer below with the necessary information needed to
differentiate the different types of speech according to delivery.
Manuscript
Memorized
Impromptu
Extemporaneous