LET’S REVIEW
SPEECH ACTS
Locutionary Act → The literal meaning of the
words spoken.
• Example: Saying “It is cold here” simply
describes the weather.
Teacher says: “You got 10/10.” → Simply
reporting the score.
• Illocutionary Act → The intended meaning
or purpose of the speaker.
Example: “It is cold here” may really mean a
request to close the window.
• Teacher says: “You got 10/10.” → Intention
is to praise.
• “Can you pass the salt?” → Intention is a
request, not really asking about ability.
• Perlocutionary Act → The effect the words
have on the listener.
Example: Listener actually closes the window
after hearing “It is cold here.”
--After teacher’s “You got 10/10,” → student
feels proud and motivated.
--After “Can you pass the salt?” → someone
actually hands the salt.
ILLOCUTIONARY ACT
SUBTYPES (SPEECH ACT)
• Assertive/representative → States facts or beliefs.
(“The Earth revolves around the Sun.”) - claiming truth
• Directive → Commands, requests, advice. (“Please lend
me your notes.”)
• Commissive → Commits speaker to a future action. (“I
promise to help you tomorrow.”)
• Expressive → Shows feelings/emotions.
(“I apologize for being late.”)
• Declarative/declaration→ Changes reality
by utterance/changes status.
(“I now declare this meeting open.”)
TIPS
• Literal meaning = Locutionary.
• Speaker’s intention = Illocutionary.
• Listener’s reaction =
Perlocutionary.
SPEECH STYLES
Speech styles show how formal or informal
communication is, depending on the situation.
• Frozen Style → Fixed, memorized, unchanging.
Ex: National Anthem, Bible, Oaths.
• Formal Style → Structured, serious, no slang.
Ex: Debate speech, research presentation.
• Consultative Style → Semi-formal, allows feedback.
Ex: Teacher and student discussion.
-Doctor giving advice to a patient
-Coach guiding a player during practice
• Casual Style → Relaxed, uses slang and informal language.
-Chatting in a group chat full of memes and jokes
-Classmates gossiping about an exam
-Chatting with friends.
• Intimate Style → Private, emotional, close relationships.
Ex: Talking to family, partners, or best friends.
TIPS
• Most formal = Frozen.
• Least formal = Intimate.
• With interaction but still formal =
Consultative.
• Used in school reports/debates = Formal.
• With friends/slang = Casual.
SPEECH CONTEXTS
SPEECH CONTEXT DEPENDS ON THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS
AND THE SETTING.
• Intrapersonal → With oneself (thinking,
journaling, reflection).
-Thinking about what to wear tomorrow
-Writing in your diary: “Today was tiring but
fun.”
-Self-reflection before exams
• Interpersonal → With one or more
people, subdivided into:
• Dyad → Two people (interview,
casual talk).
-Interview between teacher and student
-Best friends talking during recess
• Small group → (team project, group
study).
-Group project meeting
-Peer tutoring session
-Family planning a weekend trip
• Public (one-to-many, face-to-face) → One
speaker, many listeners (class report, school
program).
-Principal addressing the whole school
-Student delivering a class report
-Guest speaker giving a graduation message
• Mass Communication (one-to-many via
media) → Through media, reaching a
huge audience.
-President delivering SONA broadcasted on
TV
-DJ talking to radio listeners
-Posting a vlog on YouTube with thousands
of viewers
TIPS
• “Self only” = Intrapersonal.
• “Two people” = Dyad.
• “Team” = Group.
• “One-to-many” in person =
Public.
• “One-to-many via media” = Mass.
Why is choosing the right speech context important
in school activities?
• It ensures clarity: Example: Using formal style in
debates makes arguments credible.
• It builds relationships: Example: Casual/intimate
style strengthens friendships.
• It shows respect: Example: Consultative style
between teacher and student encourages
learning.
• It matches the audience: Example: Public
style is necessary for programs and
assemblies.
• It avoids miscommunication: Example: Using
casual style in a research defense may be
seen as disrespectful.
THANK YOU