When you are talking to your friends, you choose a particular style of language that is different than the style of language you use when you are talking to your parents. This is called the level of formality. Level of formality refers to how formal or informal your word choice is. For example, "How are you doing today?" is more formal than "Hey, what's up?" Read about some of the different levels of formality by clicking on each tab.
Formal
Consultative
Casual
Intimate
Read the example below.
It is with great enthusiasm that I stand before you today. I strongly believe that my skill set, experience, and passion are exactly what our school needs. If elected as school president, I promise always to listen to your concerns and hear your ideas.
When would you need to use formal speech?
Formal language uses correct grammar and longer, more complex sentences; it is often used in situations where you want to be taken seriously. You would use formal language when giving a presentation or speech to your peers. You would also use formal language when writing an essay, applying for college, or completing a job application. Malala used formal language in her speech to the United Nations.
Read the example below.
When you arrive at work, the first thing you will need to do is sort through the papers in the mail room and make sure they get put in the appropriate mailboxes. Next, you will make the necessary copies that are specified on your desk. Last, you will need to create a spreadsheet for the staff to view at tomorrow's meeting.
When might you see consultative language used?
Consultative language is often used when a task is being assigned and usually comes from a place of leadership. An employer would use consultative language when training a new employee. Your healthcare provider may use consultative speech when discussing necessary lifestyle changes to improve your health.
Read the example below.
Hey! I thought I saw ya at the movie theater yesterday. What did you think of the movie? I thought it was okay, but I mean I've totally seen better movies. We should go see a movie next weekend. It would be cool to hang out.
When would you use casual language?
Casual language often uses shorter sentences, incomplete sentences, contractions, and even slang. Casual language is used between friends or peers in a casual setting. Casual language is used to communicate without any hidden motives. It is used in a situation when you aren't trying to persuade anyone nor do you need to be taken seriously.
Read the example below.
Come here, sweetie. Let me see your knee. Are you okay, honey? You are such a strong boy! I am very proud of you, my love.
When might you see intimate language used?
Intimate language is usually casual and includes nicknames, terms of endearment, and inside jokes. Your mother might use intimate language when talking to you or your siblings. You might use intimate language when talking to your closest best friend or younger sister.
Now that you have had a chance to read about different levels of formality, you can apply what you've learned in the next activity. Match two example statements to each level of formality.
Formal
Intimate
Casual
Consultative
Formal
Casual
Complete
