CLASS: FORM THREE

ORAL SKILLS: LISTENING AND SPEAKING

ETIQUETTE: Choice of register

Etiquette is a formal rule of correct or polite behavior in society or particular profession.

Language register: level of formality with which we speak

 

The language, grammar and words we use in a speech are determined by the audience we are addressing and the degree of formality of the occasion.

Informal conversation

For example, a conversation between 2 students is most likely going to be informal. They will use words such as hey, ads (advertisements), mum (mother), bike (bicycle), telly , TV.(television), et cetera. 

This is also likely when two friends or peers are having an informal chat.

Formal conversation

On the other hand; a conversation between professionals e.g. teachers, lawyers or doctors is most likely to be formal. 

The tone will be formal, serious or official.

The words used between two doctors will include medical jargon e.g. paediatric, haemorrhage, sedate, hernia etc.

A formal conversation usually has formal greetings e.g. good morning; good afternoon.

Speakers in a formal conversation also use courteous words e.g. excuse me, thank you, sorry etc.

The speakers also go straight to the point without beating around the bush and are brief and to the point.

Appropriate choice of register 

We decide appropriate language registers based on;

• Audience
• Topic
• Situation

 

Ask yourself these questions when trying to pick the most appropriate register:

1. What situation are you in? Informal or formal?
2. Who are you talking to? A friend, your teacher, your boss, stranger, parent, boyfriend
3. What is the topic of discussion?

 

Different situations and people call for different registers.

 

There are 5 types of language registers.

• Frozen/Static register
• Formal register
• Consultative (professional/academic) register
• Casual register
• Intimate register

 

The suitable choice of language, gestures, body language and intonation is essential in day to day communication.

 

It is important to think about whom, when and where you are talking to someone.

 

Frozen/Static

• It never changes
• Includes old grammar/vocabulary
• It is cultural
• It is unidirectional
• It is often learned and repeated by rote

 

Examples;

• Pledge of allegiance
• Famous speeches
• Laws
• Religious books
• National anthems
• Prayers
• Biblical verses

 

Formal register

• It is used in formal settings
• Unidirectional/One way in nature
• Neutral/impersonal
• Use complete sentences
• Avoid slang
• Use academic/technical vocabulary
• No contractions (say do not instead of don’t)

 

Examples;

• Speeches
• Lectures
• Announcement
• Ted Talks
• Interviews
• Essays
• Research papers
• Business presentations

 

Consultative (professional/academic) register

• It is a two-way communication
• Used when speaking to someone with specialized knowledge/consulting an expert
• The language used is accurate/specific/precise
• The tone is often respectful

 

Examples;

• Teacher with students
• Lawyer/Client
• Doctor/Patient
• Superior/Subordinate

 

Casual register

• Informal language used by friends or peers
• Slangs, vulgarities and colloquialism are normal
• Also known as “group language”

 

Examples;

• Teammates
• Buddies
• Text messages, emails, chats
• Blogs
• Letters to friends

 

Intimate register

• Usually used in private situations
• Users share a close relationship
• They use terms of endearment
• Slang  expressions whose meaning is understood by a small group of persons

 

Example;

• Boyfriend/girlfriend
• Parent/Child (pet names)
• Close friends (Share slangs/inside jokes)
• Siblings 

You may code switch or transition from one language to the adjacent one without facing consequences. 

Skipping one or more levels is usually considered inappropriate/offensive

Choose the appropriate register for any given situation to avoid sounding either snobby and pretentious or inappropriately friendly/informal.

In order to be accepted by groups and speakers in a variety of contexts, you should understand how and when to use the various registers.  

Next we analyse oral skills notes on how to speak in public.