Grade 9 Level SPEECH / COMMUNICATIVE STYLES Second Quarter

THE DIFFERENT COMMUNICATIVE STYLES /

TYPES OF SPEECH STYLES

Each speech context, having a different set of participants coming together for a specific purpose,
calls for a specific communicative strategy. These strategies are also dependent on the type of speech
style that is used in a particular speech context.
Like speech context, there are several types of speech style for communicating. When talking to
another person, words are carefully chosen and so is the manner those words are spoken.
Learning to identify the different communication styles – and recognizing which one we use most
often in our daily interactions with friends, family and colleagues – is essential if we want to develop
effective, assertive communication skills. But how can we tell the difference between the styles, and is
there a time and place for each one in certain situations?

Communicative Styles
 also known as “speech styles” and “language registers”
 The way you communicate has a big impact on how you get on with people and get the things you
want. Good communication skills can help you avoid conflict and solve problems; they’re also
important for making friends and having healthy relationships.
 Each style has an appropriate use that is determined by differing situations. It would certainly be
inappropriate to use language and vocabulary reserve for a boyfriend or girlfriend when speaking in
the classroom. Thus, the appropriate language register depends upon the audience (who), the
topic (what), purpose (why), and location (where).
 One must control the use of language registers in order to enjoy success in every aspect and
situation he/she encounters.

Five Basic Styles of Communication:

1. assertive 4. passive-aggressive
2. passive / submissive 5. manipulative
3. aggressive

Other Types of Communicative Styles (According to Martin Joos, 1959):

1. intimate 4. formal
2. casual 5. frozen
3. consultative

A. Assertive
 This is a style in which individuals clearly state their opinions and feelings, and firmly advocate for
their rights and needs without violating the rights of others. These individuals value themselves,
their time, and their emotional, spiritual, and physical needs and are strong advocates for
themselves while being very respectful of the rights of others.
 Being assertive means respecting yourself and other people. It is the ability to clearly express your
thoughts and feelings through open, honest and direct communication. Becoming more assertive
does not mean that you will always get what you want - but, it can help you achieve a
compromise. And even if you don't get the outcome you want, you will have the satisfaction of
knowing that you handled the situation well, and that there are no ill feelings between you and the
other person or people involved in the discussion.
 Assertive communication is born of high self-esteem. It is the healthiest and most effective style of
communication - the sweet spot between being too aggressive and too passive. When we are
assertive, we have the confidence to communicate without resorting to games or manipulation. We
know our limits and don't allow ourselves to be pushed beyond them just because someone else
wants or needs something from us. Surprisingly, however, Assertive is the style most people use
least.
 Assertive communicators will:
 state needs and wants clearly, appropriately, and respectfully
 express feelings clearly, appropriately, and respectfully
 use “I” statements
 communicate respect for others
 listen well without interrupting
 feel in control of self

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Grade 9 Level SPEECH / COMMUNICATIVE STYLES Second Quarter

 have good eye contact

 speak in a calm and clear tone of voice
 have a relaxed body posture
 feel connected to others
 feel competent and in control
 not allow others to abuse or manipulate them
 stand up for their rights
 The impact of a pattern of assertive communication is that these individuals:
 feel connected to others
 feel in control of their lives
 are able to mature because they address issues and problems as they arise
 create a respectful environment for others to grow and mature
 The assertive communicator will say, believe, or behave in a way that says:
 “We are equally entitled to express ourselves respectfully to one another.”
 “I am confident about who I am.”
 “I realize I have choices in my life and I consider my options.”
 “I speak clearly, honestly, and to the point.”
 “I can’t control others but I can control myself.”
 “I place a high priority on having my rights respected.”
 “I am responsible for getting my needs met in a respectful manner.”
 “I respect the rights of others.”
 “Nobody owes me anything unless they’ve agreed to give it to me.”
 “I’m 100% responsible for my own happiness.”
* Assertiveness allows us to take care of ourselves, and is fundamental for good mental health and
healthy relationships.

Behavioural Characteristics: Non-Verbal Behaviour:

o achieving goals without hurting others o Voice – medium pitch and speed and volume
o protective of own rights and respectful of others' o Posture – open posture, symmetrical balance,
rights tall, relaxed, no fidgeting
o socially and emotionally expressive o Gestures – even, rounded, expansive
o making your own choices and taking o Facial expression – good eye contact
responsibility for them o Spatial position – in control, respectful of others
o asking directly for needs to be met, while
accepting the possibility of rejection
o accepting compliments
Language: People on the receiving end feel:
o "Please would you turn the volume down? I am o They can take the person at their word.
really struggling to concentrate on my studies." o They know where they stand with the person.
o "I am so sorry, but I won't be able to help you o The person can cope with justified criticism and
with your project this afternoon, as I have a accept compliments.
dentist appointment." o The person can look after themselves.
o Respect for the person.

B. Passive
 also known as “submissive style”
 involves putting your needs last; you don’t express your thoughts or feelings, or ask for what you
want
 This style is about pleasing other people and avoiding conflict. A submissive person behaves as if
other peoples' needs are more important, and other people have more rights and more to
contribute.
 Passive communication is a style in which individuals have developed a pattern of avoiding
expressing their opinions or feelings, protecting their rights, and identifying and meeting their
needs. As a result, passive individuals do not respond overtly to hurtful or anger-inducing
situations. Instead, they allow grievances and annoyances to mount, usually unaware of the
buildup. But once they have reached their high tolerance threshold for unacceptable behavior, they
are prone to explosive outbursts, which are usually out of proportion to the triggering incident.
After the outburst, however, they may feel shame, guilt, and confusion, so they return to being
passive.

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Grade 9 Level SPEECH / COMMUNICATIVE STYLES Second Quarter

 Passive communicators will often:

 fail to assert for themselves
 allow others to deliberately or inadvertently infringe on their rights
 fail to express their feelings, needs, or opinions
 tend to speak softly or apologetically
 exhibit poor eye contact and slumped body posture
 The impact of a pattern of passive communication is that these individuals:
 often feel anxious because life seems out of their control
 often feel depressed because they feel stuck and hopeless
 often feel resentful (but are unaware of it) because their needs are not being met
 often feel confused because they ignore their own feelings
 are unable to mature because real issues are never addressed
 A passive communicator will say, believe, or behave like:
 “I’m unable to stand up for my rights.”
 “I don’t know what my rights are.”
 “I get stepped on by everyone."
 “I’m weak and unable to take care of myself.”
 “People never consider my feelings.”

Behavioural Characteristics: Non-Verbal Behaviour:

o apologetic (feel as if you are imposing when you o Voice – Volume is soft
ask for what you want) o Posture – make themselves as small as
o avoiding any confrontation possible, head down
o finding difficulty in taking responsibility or o Gestures – twist and fidget
decisions o Facial expression – no eye contact
o yielding to someone else's preferences (and o Spatial position – make themselves
discounting own rights and needs) smaller/lower than others
o opting out o Submissive behaviour is marked by a martyr-
o feeling like a victim like attitude (victim mentality) and a refusal to
o blaming others for events try out initiatives, which might improve things.
o refusing compliments
o inexpressive (of feelings and desires)
Language: People on the receiving end feel:
o "Oh, it's nothing, really." o exasperated
o "Oh, that's all right; I didn't want it anymore." o frustrated
o "You choose; anything is fine." o guilty
o You don't know what you want (and so discount
you).
o They can take advantage of you.
o Others resent the low energy surrounding the
submissive person and eventually give up trying
to help them because their efforts are subtly or
overtly rejected.

C. Aggressive
 is expressed in a forceful and hostile manner, and usually involves alienating messages such as
“you-statements” and labelling
 the person’s tone of voice and facial expressions are unfriendly
 This style is about winning – often at someone else's expense. An aggressive person behaves as if
their needs are the most important, as though they have more rights, and have more to contribute
than other people. It is an ineffective communication style as the content of the message may get
lost because people are too busy reacting to the way it's delivered.
 This is a style in which individuals express their feelings and opinions and advocate for their needs
in a way that violates the rights of others. Thus, aggressive communicators are verbally and/or
physically abusive.

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Grade 9 Level SPEECH / COMMUNICATIVE STYLES Second Quarter

 Aggressive communicators will often:

 try to dominate others
 use humiliation to control others
 criticize, blame, or attack others
 be very impulsive
 have low frustration tolerance
 speak in a loud, demanding, and overbearing voice
 act threateningly and rudely
 not listen well
 interrupt frequently
 use “you” statements
 have an overbearing or intimidating posture
 The impact of a pattern of aggressive communication is that these individuals:
 become alienated from others
 alienate others
 generate fear and hatred in others
 always blame others instead of owning their issues, and thus are unable to mature
 The aggressive communicator will say, believe, or behave like:
 “I’m superior and right and you’re inferior and wrong.”
 “I’m loud, bossy and pushy.”
 “I can dominate and intimidate you.”
 “I can violate your rights.”
 “I’ll get my way no matter what.”
 “You’re not worth anything.”
 “It’s all your fault.”
 “I react instantly.”
 “I’m entitled.”
 “You owe me.”
 “I own you.”
Examples of Aggressive Speech:
 blaming the other person and accusing them of being wrong or at fault
 bullying

Behavioural Characteristics: Non-Verbal Behaviour:

o frightening, threatening, loud, hostile o Voice – volume is loud
o willing to achieve goals at expense of others o Posture – 'bigger than' others
o out to "win" o Gestures - big, fast, sharp/jerky
o demanding, abrasive o Facial expression – scowl, frown, glare
o belligerent o Spatial position - Invade others' personal space,
o explosive, unpredictable try to stand 'over' others
o intimidating
o bullying
Language: People on the receiving end feel:
o "You are crazy!" o defensive, aggressive (withdraw or fight back)
o "Do it my way!" o uncooperative
o "You make me sick!" o resentful/vengeful
o "That is just about enough out of you!" o humiliated/degraded
o Sarcasm, name-calling, threatening, blaming, o hurt
insulting. o afraid
o a loss of respect for the aggressive person
o Mistakes and problems are not reported to an
aggressive person in case they "blow up'.
Others are afraid of being railroaded, exploited
or humiliated.

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Grade 9 Level SPEECH / COMMUNICATIVE STYLES Second Quarter

D. Passive–Aggressive
 This is a style in which individuals appear passive on the surface but are really acting out anger in
a subtle, indirect, or behind-the-scenes way. People who develop a pattern of passive-aggressive
communication usually feel powerless, stuck, and resentful – in other words, they feel incapable of
dealing directly with the object of their resentments. Instead, they express their anger by subtly
undermining the object (real or imagined) of their resentments.
 This is a style in which people appear passive on the surface, but are actually acting out their anger
in indirect or behind-the-scenes ways. Prisoners of War often act in passive-aggressive ways in
order to deal with an overwhelming lack of power. People who behave in this manner usually feel
powerless and resentful, and express their feelings by subtly undermining the object (real or
imagined) of their resentments – even if this ends up sabotaging themselves. The expression "Cut
off your nose to spite your face" is a perfect description of passive-aggressive behaviour.
 Passive-Aggressive communicators will often:
 mutter to themselves rather than confront the person or issue
 have difficulty acknowledging their anger
 use facial expressions that don't match how they feel - i.e., smiling when angry
 use sarcasm
 deny there is a problem
 appear cooperative while purposely doing things to annoy and disrupt
 use subtle sabotage to get even
 The impact of a pattern of passive-aggressive communication is that these individuals:
 become alienated from those around them
 remain stuck in a position of powerlessness (like POWs)
 discharge resentment while real issues are never addressed so they can't mature
 The passive-aggressive communicator will say, believe, or behave like:
 “I’m weak and resentful, so I sabotage, frustrate, and disrupt.”
 “I’m powerless to deal with you head on so I must use guerilla warfare.”
 “I will appear cooperative but I’m not.”

Behavioural Characteristics: Non-Verbal Behaviour:

o indirectly aggressive
o sarcastic
o devious
o unreliable
o complaining
o sulky
o patronizing
o gossips
o Two-faced - Pleasant to people to their faces,
but poisonous behind their backs (rumours,
sabotage etc.) People do things to actively harm
the other party e.g. they sabotage a machine by
loosening a bolt or put too much salt in their
food.
Language:
o Passive-aggressive language is when you say
something like "Why don't you go ahead and do
it; my ideas aren't very good anyway" but
maybe with a little sting of irony or even worse,
sarcasm, such as "You always know better in
any case."
o "Oh don't you worry about me, I can sort myself
out – like I usually have to."
o Voice – Often speaks with a sugary sweet voice.
o Posture – often asymmetrical – e.g. Standing
with hand on hip, and hip thrust out (when
being sarcastic or patronising)
o Gestures – Can be jerky, quick
o Facial expression – Often looks sweet and
innocent
o Spatial position – often too close, even touching
other as pretends to be warm and friendly
People on the receiving end feel:
o confused
o angry
o hurt
o resentful

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Grade 9 Level SPEECH / COMMUNICATIVE STYLES Second Quarter

E. Manipulative
 This style is scheming, calculating and shrewd. Manipulative communicators are skilled at
influencing or controlling others to their own advantage. Their spoken words hide an underlying
message, of which the other person may be totally unaware.

Behavioural Characteristics: Non-Verbal Behaviour:

o cunning
o controlling of others in an insidious way – for
example, by sulking
o asking indirectly for needs to be met
o making others feel obliged or sorry for them.
o uses 'artificial' tears
Language:
o "You are so lucky to have those chocolates, I
wish I had some. I can't afford such expensive
chocolates."
o "I didn't have time to buy anything, so I had to
wear this dress. I just hope I don't look too
awful in it." ('Fishing' for a compliment).
o Voice – patronizing, envious, ingratiating, often
high pitch
o Facial expression – Can put on the 'hang dog"
expression
People on the receiving end feel:
o guilty
o frustrated
o angry, irritated or annoyed
o resentful
o Others feel they never know where they stand
with a manipulative person and are annoyed at
constantly having to try to work out what is
going on.

F. Intimate Speech
 language used by very close friends and lovers
 is private and often requires significant amount of shared history, knowledge, and experience
 is a style among intimate members of a family or friends that do not need a complete language
with clear articulation; it is enough to use short utterances
 is reserved for close family members or intimate people, such as husband and wife, boyfriend and
girlfriend, siblings, parents and children
 is private, which occurs between or among close family members or individuals
 the language used in this style may not be shared in public
 This is a non-public speech style that uses private vocabulary and includes nonverbal messages. It
is a style in which meaning is shared even without “correct linguistic forms”. This occurs among
people who have known each other for a long time and have shared many experiences. Because
they know each other well, they can sometimes complete each other’s sentences and know what
the other person is thinking even before they open their mouths. Even without the correct linguistic
forms, people using the intimate style understand each other.
Examples of Intimate Speech:
 telling your boyfriend or girlfriend that you love him or her
 telling your best friend about your deepest and darkest problems
 asking your family for advice about serious matters

G. Casual
 also known as “informal speech style”
 word choice is general and conversation is dependent upon nonverbal assists, significant
background knowledge, and shared information
 language that is used in conversation with a group of friends; a casual form of information sharing
typically used in personal conversations with friends or with family members
 is informal language used by peers and friends; slang, vulgarities, and colloquialisms are normal
 is “group” language
 is common among peers and friends; jargon, slang, or the vernacular language are used
 This is a speech style used among friends and acquaintances that do not require background
information. The use of slang is common and interruptions occur often. Casual style is used when
there are no social barriers to consider.
 One must be a member to engage in this register (e.g.: buddies, teammates, chats and e-mails,
blogs, and letters to friends.

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Grade 9 Level SPEECH / COMMUNICATIVE STYLES Second Quarter

Examples of Casual Speech:

 phone texts / text messages
 conversation with friends or with family members
 use of contractions
 use of slang
 use of simplified grammar

H. Consultative
 is used in some group discussion, regular conversation at school, companies, trade, speech
conversation, etc.
 known as the third level of language
 formal register is used in conversations
 less formal standard English, acknowledges different status of speakers and their relationships
 is the most operational among the other styles
 less appropriate for writing
 students often use it in their interactions in the classroom
 a standard form of communication
 is formal, and societal expectations accompany the users of this speech
 Consultative style is the opposite of the intimate style because this style is used precisely among
people who do not share common experiences or meaning. This does not preclude disclosure of
background information in order to become the basis of shared meaning. Consultative style
requires two-way participation, and interruptions can occur during the communication.
 Users engage in a mutually accepted structure of communication.
 It is professional discourse when strangers meet, as in the communication between a superior and
a subordinate, doctor and patient, lawyer and client, lawyer and judge, teacher and student,
counselor and client.
 Professional or mutually acceptable language is a must in this style.
 One of the characteristics of consultative language is its tendency of average speed, which is
higher than formal style. The sentence tends to be shorter (resemble or indeed, phrase) and less
well planned (tend to be spontaneous). Since it is spontaneous, people tend to repeat some
unnecessary words, choose the wrong word choice or use many slang words.
Examples of Consultative Speech:
 when a student is talking to his or her teacher
 when a student recites in class (during oral discussion)
 communication between employer and employee
 communication between doctor and patient
 communication between judge and lawyer
 communication between the President and his/her constituents

I. Formal
 this language is used in formal settings and is one-way in nature; this use of language usually
follows a commonly accepted format
 is usually impersonal and formal
 speech is expected to be presented in complete sentences with specific word usage
 is standard for work, school, and business
 most often seen in writing than in speaking
 is used only for imparting information
 The speech is well organized and correct in grammar and diction.
 Technical vocabulary and exact definitions are important in the formal style, such as in
presentations.
 Straightforward and direct, with no circumlocution, this style does not allow interruptions.
 a type of verbal presentation or document intended to share information and which conforms to
established professional rules, standards and processes and avoids using slang terminology
Examples of Formal Speech:
 job interview
 business trip
 dinner party
 prestigious ceremony
 meeting
 academic papers
 sermon
 rhetorical statements and questions

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Grade 9 Level SPEECH / COMMUNICATIVE STYLES Second Quarter

 pronouncements made by judges

 announcements
 sermons by priests and ministers
 State of the Nation Address of the President
 formal speeches

J. Frozen
 the most formal communicative style that is usually used in respectful situation or formal ceremony
 also known as “fixed speech” and “static speech”
 this style of communication rarely or never changes; it is frozen in time and content
 is a formal style whose quality is static, ritualistic, and may even be archaic
 is reserved for traditions in which the language does not change
 speech for people who would remain strangers
 mostly occurs in ceremonies
 language is not dynamic so it never changes
 Frozen style is exemplified by prayers that have been recited in the same way for years, the Pledge
of Allegiance or Panatang Makabayan, and the Oath of Office of any officer, whether of the Student
Council or of Congress.
Examples of Frozen Speech:
 Lord’s Prayer
 pledge of allegiance
 the Preamble to the Philippine Constitution
 Shakespeare’s plays
 wedding vows
 introduction of each other between acquaintance
 laws

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The purpose of the different types of speech is to help people know the specific approach they
should use in every situation, person, and place.
Knowing these things can help one prevent misunderstandings and arguments from happening
because if they don’t watch what they say, they would look disrespectful in front of others.

Rule of Language Use:

One can usually transition from one language register to an adjacent one without encountering
repercussions. However, skipping one or more levels is usually considered inappropriate and even
offensive.

Source: Montano-Harmon, M.R. “Developing English for Academic Purposes” California State University, Fullerton.

*****

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