A shift in speech context, speech style, speech act, and communicative strategy

impacts various aspects of communication, including:

1. Language Form
 Speech Context: The setting or context (formal, informal, academic, social)
can dictate the complexity of language. Formal contexts often require more
sophisticated and structured language (e.g., academic papers or speeches),
while informal contexts may allow for casual, colloquial, or even slang terms.
 Speech Style: Different speech styles (frozen, formal, consultative, casual,
intimate) result in variations in grammar, vocabulary, and syntax. A formal
style might use full sentences and technical jargon, while an informal style
might be more fragmented and rely on shared knowledge or slang.
 Speech Act: Depending on the function of the speech (request, command,
apology, question), language forms adapt. For instance, a command might
use imperative verbs, while an apology might involve softer, more indirect
expressions.
 Communicative Strategy: Strategies like politeness or assertiveness affect
language form. A polite strategy might use hedging or modal verbs ("could
you," "would you"), while a more direct strategy may use fewer modifiers.
2. Duration of Interaction
 Speech Context: In a formal meeting or interview, interactions tend to be
longer, structured, and planned. Informal interactions, such as casual
conversations between friends, can be shorter and more spontaneous.
 Speech Style: A formal or consultative style may require more time to
explain ideas thoroughly, leading to longer interactions, while casual styles
may involve quicker exchanges.
 Speech Act: Certain speech acts (like storytelling or explanation) may
naturally require longer durations, while a brief greeting or request may
result in a short interaction.
 Communicative Strategy: If a speaker uses a cooperative or turn-taking
strategy, the interaction may extend as both parties contribute. A more
competitive or direct strategy may shorten the conversation.
3. Relationship of the Speaker
 Speech Context: The relationship (whether between friends, colleagues, or
strangers) is influenced by context. In a workplace, a hierarchical relationship
might exist, whereas in a social setting, the relationship may be more equal.
 Speech Style: In formal settings, speakers may maintain a respectful
distance, addressing each other using titles and last names. In informal
contexts, they may use first names or even nicknames.
 Speech Act: Different speech acts (greetings, commands, requests) change
based on the relationship. For example, a request between friends may be
casual and direct, while the same request between a subordinate and
supervisor may be more formal.
 Communicative Strategy: Politeness and indirect strategies are often
employed in hierarchical relationships to maintain harmony, while direct
strategies may be used in more equal or familiar relationships.
4. Role and Responsibilities of the Speaker
 Speech Context: The role of the speaker changes depending on whether
they are in a position of authority (like a teacher or manager) or not. Their
responsibilities in delivering the message differ accordingly, such as
instructing, informing, or entertaining.
 Speech Style: Formal roles (e.g., a leader addressing a team) may require a
consultative or formal style, where clarity and authority are important. In
informal settings, the speaker may take on a more casual role, with fewer
responsibilities for accuracy or detail.
 Speech Act: When giving a command, the speaker assumes the
responsibility to be clear and direct, whereas, in a discussion, the role may
involve facilitating or guiding conversation.
 Communicative Strategy: A speaker using a persuasive strategy has the
responsibility to convince the audience, while one using a cooperative
strategy may focus more on building mutual understanding.
5. Message
 Speech Context: The message is shaped by the context. In a business
meeting, the message will be professional and goal-oriented. In a casual
setting, it may involve personal stories or opinions.
 Speech Style: A formal style leads to a more structured and clear message,
while a casual style might include more tangents, jokes, or unfinished
thoughts.
 Speech Act: The function of the speech act—whether to inform, request, or
apologize—directly influences the content of the message. Informative
speech acts require factual and clear messages, while an apology involves
expressions of regret and acknowledgment.
 Communicative Strategy: A direct strategy results in a straightforward
message, whereas an indirect strategy may embed the message within softer
language or implication, leaving room for interpretation.
6. Delivery
 Speech Context: In formal contexts, delivery is usually planned, slow, and
deliberate, while in informal settings, delivery is often spontaneous and
relaxed.
 Speech Style: A frozen or formal style might involve prepared scripts,
careful pronunciation, and attention to tone. A casual style, on the other
hand, allows for more fluidity in speech, with interruptions, laughter, and
informal expressions.
 Speech Act: The nature of the speech act dictates the delivery. A command
may be delivered with a firm, authoritative tone, while a request might
involve a softer, more persuasive tone.
 Communicative Strategy: A cooperative strategy leads to a more inclusive
delivery style, inviting interaction and feedback, while a more direct strategy
might result in a stronger, more assertive delivery.
In summary, shifts in speech context, style, act, and strategy influence the choice of
words, length of conversation, speaker dynamics, responsibilities, message content,
and how it is presented.