Types of Speaking Styles

Not learning about the different speaking styles can lead to ineffective messaging, leading to misunderstandings and awkward social interactions. As seasoned vocal coaches, we can tell you which speaking style suits different settings. Discover the different types of speaking styles and learn how to use them with this guide.

Types of Speaking Styles

Formal styles include ceremonial speeches for special occasions, demonstrative presentations that explain processes or concepts, informative lectures that educate audiences, and persuasive addresses aimed at changing opinions or inspiring action.

Informal styles encompass conversational exchanges in everyday situations, impromptu remarks made without preparation, and humorous delivery that entertains while communicating ideas.

Speaking styles can be broadly categorized into formal and informal types. With a deep understanding of both formal and informal speaking techniques, we’re going to explain how you can develop them to tailor your communication to different contexts and audiences for maximum impact.

Style	Description	Common Uses
Ceremonial	Dignified, often scripted speeches for special occasions	Graduations, weddings, award ceremonies
Demonstrative	Shows how to do something or explains a process	Technical presentations, tutorials
Informative	Educates the audience on a specific topic	Academic lectures, news broadcasts
Persuasive	Aims to influence opinions or inspire action	Political speeches, sales pitches
Conversational	Casual, interactive dialogue	Everyday discussions, interviews
Impromptu	Spontaneous, with little to no preparation	Q&A sessions, unexpected speaking situations
Humorous	Uses wit and comedy to engage the audience	Stand-up comedy, lighthearted presentations

Formal Speaking Styles

Formal speaking styles are used in professional and serious settings. These styles help us communicate clearly and respectfully. Key aspects include:

Structured language: Sentences are well-formed and follow standard grammar rules.
Active voice: The subject of the sentence performs the action, making speech direct and easy to understand.
Professionalism: It is suitable for business and academic settings.

Ceremonial

Ceremonial speaking focuses on honoring or celebrating special occasions. Even when preparing for a teleprompter presentation, it’s important to convey respect and emotion while keeping the audience engaged and connected to the moment.

The purpose of ceremonial speeches is to honor, celebrate, raising a toast, or commemorate a person, event, or accomplishment. These speeches might be given at weddings, graduations, award ceremonies, or funerals.

Delivery style: We teach our students to deliver sincere and heartfelt ceremonial speeches. Whether the occasion is joyful or solemn, your words should reflect the appropriate emotions.
Tone: The tone of a ceremonial speech should match the occasion. For a wedding, the tone might be joyful and celebratory. At a funeral, apply a respectful and somber tone.
Pace: Aim for a natural pace, giving your audience time to absorb your words. Pausing for emphasis, especially after important points or stories, helps highlight key moments.

Demonstrative

Demonstrative speeches show an audience how to do something, often using physical objects or visual aids. They are effective for teaching practical skills and explaining complex processes in a clear, step-by-step manner.

The main goal of a demonstrative speech is to teach the audience how to complete a task or understand a process. These speeches are often seen in cooking shows, craft tutorials, and technical workshops.

Delivery style: The delivery style for a demonstrative speech should be clear and methodical. It helps to use simple language and repeat key steps.
Tone: The tone of a demonstrative speech should be friendly and encouraging. You should also sound patient and responsive when there are questions.
Pace: Pause after each major step. Consistent pacing helps keep the audience engaged and prevents them from feeling overwhelmed.

Informative

Informative speaking is about delivering clear, factual information to help the audience understand a topic better. This style often involves thorough research and a structured approach to presenting the content.

The purpose of informative speaking is to educate the audience. Whenever we train professionals in navigating corporate communications, we emphasize the importance of using accurate information about a specific topic by explaining processes, descriptions of concepts, or sharing factual data.

Delivery style: The delivery style should be clear and organized. Maintain eye contact and engage with the audience to keep them interested.
Tone: The tone of an informative speech should be neutral and objective. The audience should feel confident they are receiving factual, well-researched content without any hidden agenda.
Pace: Speak slowly and clearly enough for the audience to follow along, yet not so slow that it becomes monotonous. Use pauses to give the audience time to absorb the information.

Persuasive

In persuasive speaking, we aim to convince our audience to apply a specific viewpoint or take action. The goal of a persuasive speech is to influence the audience’s beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors.

We utilize facts, logic, and emotional appeals to influence and make our case compelling. It’s important to identify a clear, focused message.

Delivery style: Speak with confidence and authority to persuade effectively. Maintain eye contact and use gestures to emphasize points.
Tone: The tone of a persuasive speech should be convincing yet respectful. Be firm yet approachable to build trust and encourage openness.
Pace: Avoid speaking too fast, which can lead to confusion and disengagement. Use strategic pauses to let key information sink in.

Informal Speaking Styles

Communication also involves knowing when to be casual and incorporating informal conversations to create a relaxed atmosphere. We use these styles in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues. Here are the characteristics of informal speaking:

Language: Simple vocabulary and contractions.
Tone: Friendly and relaxed.
Structure: Unstructured and often includes slang.

Conversational

The conversational speaking style is about natural interaction. It’s less formal and allows for a more personal connection with the audience. The main purpose of conversational speaking is to create a closer bond with your audience.

A 2023 study revealed that people often misjudge the ideal balance between talking and listening in initial conversations. Although this speaking style mimics everyday conversations, you need to build rapport and foster open dialogue by balancing listening and talking.

Delivery style: Avoid overly rehearsed or scripted speeches. Instead, focus on being genuine and authentic, as if speaking to friends or family.
Tone: The tone of conversational speaking should be relaxed and friendly. Keep the tone light and engaging to keep the audience’s attention.
Pace: Pacing in conversational speaking should be moderate and natural. Speaking too fast can overwhelm the audience while speaking too slowly might bore them.

Impromptu

Impromptu speaking involves delivering a speech with little to no preparation time. It requires quick thinking, a clear structure, and the confidence to communicate effectively.

The purpose of impromptu speaking is to share thoughts and ideas without prior planning. This style is often used in situations where immediate responses are needed, like in meetings, social events, or interviews.

Delivery style: Impromptu delivery relies heavily on our ability to think on our feet. Starting with a brief introduction, we then expand on the main points and conclude succinctly.
Tone: Adapt your tone based on the topic and the people we are addressing. In general, a confident and friendly tone can engage listeners.
Pace: Speaking too quickly can confuse the audience, while a slow pace might cause them to lose interest. Aim for a natural rhythm to articulate thoughts clearly while giving the audience time to understand.

Humorous

Humorous speaking can transform a dull speech into an engaging and memorable experience. Using humor effectively involves understanding its purpose, mastering the delivery style, setting the right tone, and maintaining an appropriate pace.

Humor is among a leader’s most effective tools, which is why leaders use humor in speeches to engage the audience and make the content more memorable. Humor helps to break the ice, relax the audience, and make complex or heavy topics more approachable.

Delivery style: It can include storytelling, jokes, puns, and even playful visuals or props. A well-timed joke can be powerful, whereas poorly-timed humor can fall flat.
Tone: The tone should be lighthearted and respectful. Make sure your jokes and funny anecdotes are sensitive and not offensive.
Pace: The pace of a humorous speech should be varied to keep the audience engaged. Quick, sharp wit can generate immediate laughter. Meanwhile, slower, more deliberate pacing can build anticipation and make the punchline more impactful.

Conclusion

You can learn and hone these formal and informal speaking styles through our individual training and corporate training sessions. By developing your speaking style, you can build stronger connections, convey ideas more clearly and effectively, and achieve your communication goals efficiently.

Types of Speaking Styles