Understanding Public Speaking and Speech Types

Public Speaking Fundamentals

Public speaking involves oral or written statements that introduce and develop a theme of collective interest, meaning it is relevant to a large number of people.

Key Characteristics

• The speaker is invested with authority, as they represent a collective or are a figure with knowledge about the topic.
• An asymmetrical relationship is established between the speaker and the receiver.
• Topics must be relevant to the group or community receiving the speech.
• The purpose is to convey visions of reality, expressing them to engage the receiver so that they adhere to this view, are convinced, or are persuaded by the speaker's words.
• The context generally corresponds to specific events or special circumstances for a group of people.
• Registers range from supra-formal or solemn, cultured, to conversational, depending on the location and type of receiver.
• It utilizes verbal, nonverbal, and paraverbal resources.

Elocution Modes

Different modes are used to achieve specific effects:

• I Mode: Used to achieve closeness, openness, and subjectivity.
• Interrogative Mode: By asking a question, the speaker challenges the receiver, trying to get them to answer it mentally, which produces a connection between speaker and receiver.
• You Mode: Focuses on involving the receivers and inviting them to action.
• He/It Mode: Used to distance oneself from what is stated.
• Imperative Mode: The speaker takes a position that involves action from the receiver. For this, the speaker and receiver must establish a hierarchy, where the speaker is in a superior position.
• Exclamation Mode: Used to show that the speaker expresses surprise or admiration, leaving the receiver as a mere witness to this situation and invited to share.

Categories of Speech

Community Speech

Carried out by community groups representing particular interests.

• Topic: Relevant to that specific group (Social, organizational, value-based, school, etc.).
• Purpose: Depends on the circumstances and/or needs of the community.
• Speech Register: Must be related to the group, considering the cultural background and knowledge of the majority.

Political Speech

Statements issued by a government, public authority, or candidates for public office. They target the entire country and outline plans or projects. It has a strong ideological component and a deep power intended to move the audience to a change in behavior, to persuade them to share the same vision of the world.

Ceremonial or Memorial Speech

They hold significance for personal, institutional, or governmental occasions. Occur at anniversary events, opening ceremonies, or funerals. Its level of formality varies depending on the audience. They typically highlight commendable traits.

Religious Speech

Issued by a religious authority in situations related to doctrine or faith. Its language is formal. The message is spiritual. They are called sermons (oral), letters, or encyclicals (written).

Features of Religious Discourse

• Has a strong persuasive element.
• Focused on the doctrine of a religion.
• Seeks to disseminate beliefs widely.
• Based on divine or prophetic words.
• Uses the testimony of life as a methodology.
• Language is formal, yet often charming and friendly.

Epideictic Speech

Characterized by highlighting aspects of the life, personality, and work of an individual. May be of praise or blame, aiming to publicly commend or criticize a person or action.