SPEECH STYLE • “Get out!

” (a strong command)
The way we communicate varies depending on a lot of factors
such as the speech context, speech purpose, and speech
2. ILLOCUTIONARY ACT is the social function of what is said.
delivery.
In an illocutionary speech act, it is not just saying something
itself but with the act of saying something with the intention of:
TYPES OF SPEECH STYLE • stating an opinion, conforming, or denying something;
• making a prediction, a promise, a request;
1. INTIMATE- is used for very close relationships.
• issuing an order or a decision; or
example: couple (note: Language used in this style may not be
• giving advice or permission.
shared in public.)
2. CASUAL- is an informal communication between groups and
This Speech Act uses the Illocutionary Force of a statement, a
peers who have something to share and have shared
confirmation, a denial, a prediction, a promise, a request, etc.
background information but do not have close relations.
Examples of Illocutionary Acts:
example: classmates (note: Jargon, slang, and vernacular
language are used) • It’s more fun in the Philippines. (opinion)
3. CONSULTATIVE- is used in semi-formal and standard • I’ll help you clean the house tomorrow. (promise)
communication. • Get my things in the office. (order)
example: teacher and student (note: Professional or mutually
acceptable language is a must in this style.) 3. PERLOCUTIONARY ACT refers to the consequent effect of
4. FORMAL- is a one-way straightforward speech. what was said. This is based on the particular context in which
example: State of the Nation Address (note: What the speaker the speech act was mentioned. This is seen when a particular
says is something that has been prepared beforehand.) effect is sought from either the speaker or the listener, or both.
5. FROZEN- is the most formal communicative style that is The response may not necessarily be physical or verbal and is
usually used during solemn ceremonies and events. elicited by:
example: pledges (note: It does not require any feedback from • inspiring or insulting
the audience.) • persuading/convincing; or
• deterring/scaring
THREE TYPES OF SPEECH ACT The aim of Perlocutionary Speech Act is to change
feelings, thoughts, or actions.
According to J. L. Austin (1962), a philosopher of language and Examples of Perlocutionary Acts:
the developer of the Speech Act Theory, there are three types • “We can do this. We heal and win as one!” (inspiring)
of acts in every utterance, given the right circumstances or
• “It is crucial that we give all our collective efforts to fight
context.
against this pandemic. We must start working together.”
(persuading)
1. LOCUTIONARY ACT is the actual act of uttering or saying
something. This act happens with the utterances of a sound, a
SEARLE’S CLASSIFICATION OF SPEECH ACT
word or even a phrase as a natural unit of speech.
1. ASSERTIVE – a type of illocutionary act in which the speaker
-For the utterances to be a Locutionary Act, consider the
expresses belief about the truth of a proposition. Some
following:
examples of an assertive act are suggesting, putting forward,
• It has sense, and mostly importantly, for communication to swearing, boasting, and concluding.
take place. Example:
• It has the same meaning to both the speaker and the listener. No one can love you better than I do.
• Utterances give rise to shared meaning when it is adjusted
by the speaker for the listener. 2. DIRECTIVE – a type of illocutionary act in which the speaker
Examples of Locutionary Acts: tries to make the addressee perform an action. Some examples
• “Doh!” (favorite expression of TV cartoon character Homer of a directive act are asking, ordering, requesting, inviting,
Simpson) advising, and begging.
• “Wow?” (When someone is amazed) Example:
• “Hello!” (greeting someone) Please maintain the cleanliness of our school.

Prepared by: Ms. Joymie A. Zapata

3. COMMISSIVE – a type of illocutionary act which commits
the speaker to doing something in the future. Examples of a
commissive act are promising, planning, vowing, and betting.
Example:
From this moment on, I will love you and honor you for the rest
of my life.

4. EXPRESSIVE – a type of illocutionary act in which the

speaker expresses his/her feelings or emotional reactions.
Some examples of an expressive act are thanking, apologizing,
welcoming and deploring.
Example:
Thank heavens, you came to save me! I owe you my life.

5. DECLARATION– a type of illocutionary act which brings a

change in the external situation. Simply put, declarations bring
into existence or cause the state of affairs which they refer to.
Some examples of declarations are blessing, firing, baptizing,
bidding, passing a sentence, and excommunicating.
Example:
You are hired!
By saying that someone is hired, an employee causes or brings
about the person’s acceptance to job; consequently, this
changes his external situation.

Prepared by: Ms. Joymie A. Zapata