The final step to creating an effective speech is to make sure it is written at the appropriate level of formality. To do this, you must know who your audience id and understand their expectations. For instance, if your audience is a group of your friends, you'll want to use language they can relate to. On the other hand, if you are like Malala and your audience is the United Nations, then you need to adapt your speech for a more formal context.
Sometimes, you may want to shift the level of formality within your speech, which can be an effective strategy. For example, Malala begins her speech formally but shifts to an intimate tone when she addresses the audience as “dear sisters and brothers…” Sometimes, a speech starts out casually in order to connect with the audience but then becomes formal so that the speaker feels like they are being taken seriously. Whatever tone you use, keep in mind that formal language is not necessarily better than informal or casual language; rather, each serves a different purpose. So keep your audience in mind and adapt the language you use throughout your speech as necessary.
How do you adapt a speech to make it more formal? The first thing to do is spend time considering the word choice and sentence structure of your speech. Formal speeches tend to avoid slang words such as like, totally, cool, or you know. If you are trying to make your speech sound formal, eliminate contractions, use transitions, and make sure you have a strong introduction and a compelling ending. By changing a few words and sentences throughout your speech, you can adapt it to sound formal and sophisticated. Play around with the formality of your speech. If you want your speech to sound more formal, what changes can you make?
Read the following examples. Do they sound formal or casual? Compare your thoughts with the sample answers by clicking on each example.
| I want to start by thanking each of you for being here today. Today marks an incredibly memorable day, and I am thrilled that we all get to be a part of history. | This is formal because there is a formal introduction, strong sentence structure, and words such as "incredibly memorable" instead of "good" or "cool." |
| It's so great to stand here and talk to you about freedom. We don't realize how lucky we are. We get to go to nice schools and wear cool clothes. | This is casual because there are contractions, shorter sentences, and simple words such as "nice" and "great." |
| If we all work together, it's totally possible to make a difference. We can slow global warming. You, me, our families, and friends can start today by making changes like carpooling or riding our bikes. | This is casual because it contains shorter, simple sentences, contractions, and slang words such as "totally." |
| Today, I represent an enormous population of people who do not have the means to attend college, further their education, and grasp the career of their dreams. How can we as a society enhance the lives of future generations by ensuring our youth do not have to give up on their dreams? | This is formal. It has a formal introduction, the sentence structure is more complex, and formal words are used such as "enormous," "grasp," and "enhance." |
See if you can revise each casual statement below to make it sound formal.
1. Adapt the following casual statement to make it formal:
You know that story I wrote? Well, I guess it stunk because it didn't get published. I thought it was totally awesome. Maybe I'll try and turn another one in next year.
2. Adapt the following casual statement to make it formal:
It will be so fun to plan a surprise party. Lacy will be so shocked. She'll like the games, cake, and gifts.
3. Adapt the following casual statement to make it formal:
If we all do our part, we can save our great planet. We just have to help out and do simple things like recycle.
| Your Responses | Sample Answers |
|---|---|
| I spent countless hours writing and developing that story, but apparently it lacked a few crucial aspects. The publishing company did not select my story to be published, but I am not giving up. I will gather my thoughts, review the feedback, and create a new story to submit next year. | |
| I am delighted to be able to plan a surprise party for my dearest friend, Lacy. She will be amazed by the thrilling games, delicious cake, and thoughtful gifts. | |
| Take pride in the place we call home and join hands to save our spectacular planet. We can all work together, and by starting small, we can incorporate easy, simple tasks in our daily lives, such as recycling. | |
