From the beginning of existence, people are different from animals. Despite the fact that dogs, dolphins, monkeys and other representatives of the animal world communicate in their own way, only a person is able to build words from letters, and from them to form sentences. However, speaking is not the only communication method we use. In addition to the usual conversation, our speech can be divided into different categories. What types and forms of speech are there?
In fact, what is speech? Dictionaries explain that these are thoughts that are expressed in words, in writing, or in some other way. Speech is the main component of communication. Communication, however, involves the exchange of information between two people. Moreover, you can communicate not only with the help of words, but also by any other means. In addition, as we shall see, thinking is communication alone with oneself. Next, consider what types of speech are.
Sound and sign language
Speaking never existed on its own. Facial expressions and gestures give words expressiveness and emotion. Deaf-mute people, unable to communicate in the usual way, easily exchange thoughts with the help of sign language, which can often be even more expressive than the usual conversation. In turn, speech can be divided into written and oral, external and internal. Two types of communication can also be distinguished: verbal and nonverbal. Having learned what types of speech are, let's look at what is included in each of them. Thus, we can see that these expressions mean almost the same thing. True, there is some difference, and we will talk about it now.
Most people primarily speak with words and sounds, but gestures take their place in everyday communication. A particular sign shown with the help of hands or other parts of the body can mean a word or convey an entire thought. So, a nod of the head can mean the words “no” or “yes,” and a gesture with the index finger can convey several thoughts: “there,” “look,” over there, or “here.” A person who uses gestures may not utter either one word, but at the same time he continues to communicate, however, it is impossible to completely separate the sound and sign language, since they go hand in hand - complement and balance each other.
Types of Non-Verbal Communication
What types of speech do people have? Gestures relate to non-verbal communication, while verbal refers to the exchange of thoughts through words. Here are a few examples of non-verbal communication, the ability to convey thoughts and feelings, speaking in "body language":
- gestures and facial expressions;
- posture (the way we hold ourselves);
- intonation;
- eye contact;
- tactile communication.
Despite all the advantages of non-verbal contact, in contrast to ordinary conversation, facial expressions and gestures can often be misunderstood. A person can attach a completely different meaning to your smile or look. In addition, unlike words in which we intentionally put their meaning, non-verbal communication is perceived at the subconscious level. A person may not be aware of what information he is transmitting. Sadness and joy, anger and pain can sometimes be read on our face or in a manner to keep ourselves. And this is normal, because you need to be a hypocrite in order to portray a smile in frustrated feelings.
Tactile Communication Examples
How much communication brings people together! This is the whole psychology of speech. The types and functions of speech indicate its uniqueness. Modern technical means allow you to hear a person’s voice at a distance and even using video communication, to see a person’s face and feelings that he wants to express. However, it is impossible to hug your child or pat a friend on the shoulder through a computer monitor. Communicating in this way, you cannot hug or kiss your loved one. As you can see, we often convey thoughts and express views not only with words. All this speaks in favor of the importance of tactile communication.
Written and spoken language
Considering the question of what types of speech are, as well as studying the technique of communication, it is impossible not to clarify the difference between written and oral speech. These two types of interaction between people differ not only in the way they transmit thoughts, but also in the style and form of presentation. Written speech is more specific, as it should describe what a person cannot see (without taking into account the illustrations). If we want to send a letter, or an article for our site, then, as a rule, you need to bring readers up to date, taking into account their level of perception. Thus, the article is aimed at a certain circle of readers - those whom you represent when you write. In addition, written communication conveys information of a more general nature (if it is not a letter), since it is usually aimed at a large circle of readers and, accordingly, can affect many different situations.
Oral speech, on the contrary, is often abstract and vague, because two people (unless they speak on the phone) are united by one situation, so words or gestures expressing thoughts such as “Go there!” or “Look!” are easily perceived by the audience. Oral speech achieves its goal if it conveys information that relates to the needs of students. If this is not so, and a person builds long voluminous sentences, for the majority of his way of transmitting thoughts will be perceived as long and boring. Therefore, from the point of view of the audience, a person who speaks beautifully and fluently is eloquent. This implies that he conveys thoughts succinctly and accurately, affecting the feelings of listeners and holding their attention. Continuing to compare spoken and written language, we can recall that talented writers were not always beautiful speakers, and those who knew how to influence the masses with words, sometimes could not write at all. What types of eloquence are and are used in practice? We list only a few: spiritual, social, judicial and academic. We will consider each of them in order and we will be able to see that they are all connected with knowledge in a certain field.
Eloquence as an ability to discuss spiritual matters
The ability to influence the hearts of people has long been common to many spiritual preachers. People who have studied the Bible and found spiritual truth have appeared many times before a court or in defense of their values. Among them were many skilled speakers. Because of his views, which he skillfully defended on the basis of Scripture, L. N. Tolstoy was excommunicated. JB Priestley was persecuted because of the same. The clergy was seething with anger at everyone who was recognized as "dissenters." The arguments given by these people in the sermons were strikingly different from the songs of modern priests, devoid of any eloquence.
Eloquence and everyday topics
Probably everyone ever spoke to others. Today, it is often necessary to speak to colleagues or superiors. And although this type of speech is full of different “stereotypes” and “formalities”, there are those who, using various metaphors, hyperbolas and comparisons, can diversify their speech and, thus, have the proper impact on the audience. Consider what types of speech are in order to better use all of its hidden potential.
Judicial Eloquence
As you know, the most interesting type of eloquence is the one that closely borders on the art of persuasion. Probably, each of us knows people who knew how to “convincingly” influence others. In court, such a skill is needed more than anywhere else. The advocate and prosecutor, defending their views, try to convince and influence the judge and jury. Such people can make arguments, reason logically and try to influence our moral perception of the situation. As a result, the bad may seem good and vice versa. On the other hand, the correct presentation of the case will not distort it before the court, but will help to make the right judicial decision by punishing the offender and acquitting the innocent. Another thing is that there are people in the world who are able to sacrifice their moral principles for the sake of money, connections or profit. With the ability to persuade, they can successfully influence others.
Academic Eloquence
It is possible to transfer scientific knowledge to others if the speaker has certain knowledge. However, it is not enough just to have information, you need to be a psychologist to some extent and understand the audience. Of course, it is important how the scientist presents his material, how he gives evidence, uses scientific terms and appeals with what his colleagues already know. But it is in his interests to learn to convey the material in an interesting way - so that the audience sees a concrete benefit for themselves. There is no escape from this, this is how each person works - if we don’t see personal benefit for ourselves, we are no longer interested in the subject presented by the speaker. To satisfy the personal “ego” and to affirm the realization that “they are listening to it”, special eloquence is not required. However, if a scientist is interested in teaching and transmitting information, he, of course, will make the necessary efforts for this.
Sociability
Unlike oratory eloquence, which is in demand during official discussions or speeches in front of an audience, sociability is vital during lively everyday communication. Sociable is a person who knows how to find a common language and conduct dialogue with other people. He can see what excites people, touches on these issues and reaches his desired goal. Such a person has insight and behaves tactfully and compliantly.
Communications and types of communication
Do not confuse sociability with communications. These are different types of speech, and their characteristics vary. By the second they mean not a way of conducting a conversation, but its appearance. Communications are of several types: indirect, frontal and dialogue. The first type is used in joint projects, when two people, for example, are working on the same scheme. So, people sometimes may not know each other’s language, but the common goal they strive for, applying their knowledge, is achieved through joint efforts.
Front-end communication involves the presence of a leader, or leader, who conveys information to others. The one-to-many principle works here. This type of communication is used when the speaker gives a speech to the audience.
Dialogue is a mutual exchange of information between two people, in which one or the other can speak. Cross-talk can occur if a group of people discusses a problem.
"Inner" speech
The types of speech discussed above and their characteristics were varieties of external speech. However, in addition to external speech, there is also internal. Such communication also reveals human speech as activity. Enumerating the main types of speech, this form should not be missed. Unreasoned thinking (or an internal monologue) refers to it. In this case, the person’s only interlocutor is himself. From the dialogic style of speech, this one distinguishes the desire to cover as much as possible a certain topic. Dialogue, on the contrary, is mostly filled with simple phrases and rarely carries a deep meaning.
Emotional color of speech
The correct perception of speech is affected by the intonation with which an expression is pronounced. In sign languages, the role of intonation is played by facial expressions. The complete absence of intonation is observed in written language. Therefore, in order to give the text at least some emotional color, modern social networks have come up with emoticons that can partially convey feelings, provided that the interlocutor is sincere. Emoticons are not used in scientific texts, therefore, the author is expected to be especially thoughtful, logical and beautiful in writing the text. In such cases, for emotional color, beautiful turns of speech, adjectives and colorful images are used. However, the most lively speech is, of course, oral speech, thanks to which you can convey the whole palette of feelings and emotions experienced by man. Only communicating on a personal level, it is possible to hear notes of sincerity, genuine laughter, joy or admiration. However, when communicating with someone, a person can be full of anger, lies and sarcasm. This has a devastating effect on his relationship with others. However, the considered types, characteristics, functions of speech and its other features will help you avoid such extremes.
Art to communicate
Along with the progress of a person in other areas, we can perceive speech as an activity or a product of labor of a specific person or of the whole society. Realizing the tremendous possibilities that human communication reveals, some turn it into art. This can be understood only by listing what types of eloquence are in nature. Thus, we will see what a precious gift is the ability to communicate. However, it also happens that a person has various congenital or acquired types of speech disorders.