What kinds of speech are there? Types of speech and their characteristics

From the beginning of existence people differ 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 formulate sentences. However, oral speech is not the only way of communication that we use. In addition to the usual conversation, our speech can be divided into different categories. What kinds 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, implies the exchange of information between two people. Moreover, you can communicate not only with the help of words, but in any other ways. In addition, as we shall see, meditation is communication alone with oneself. Next, consider what kinds of speech are.

Sound and Sign Language

Oral speech never existed on its own. Mimicry and gestures give words of expressiveness and emotion. Deaf 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. You can also distinguish two types of communication: verbal and nonverbal. Having learned what kinds of speech are, let's consider 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'll talk about it now.

Most people mostly speak with words and sounds, but gestures take their place in everyday communication. A sign, shown with the help of hands or other parts of the body, can mean a word or convey a whole thought. So, the nod with the head can mean the words "no" or "yes", and gesture with the index finger can transmit a few 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 sound and gesture speech, as they go hand in hand - complement and balance each other.

Types of non-verbal communication

What kinds of speech do people have? Gestures refer to non-verbal communication, whereas by verbal means the exchange of thoughts by words. Here are some examples of non-verbal communication, the ability to convey thoughts and feelings, speaking in "body language":

• Gestures and facial expressions;
• Pose (the way we keep ourselves);
• intonation;
• eye contact;
• Tactile communication.

Despite all the advantages of nonverbal contact, unlike usual conversation, facial expressions and gestures can often be misunderstood. Your smile or look at a person can give a very different meaning. In addition, unlike words in which we deliberately put their meaning, non-verbal communication is perceived at the subconscious level. A person can himself not be aware of what information he conveys. 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 express a smile in frustrated feelings.

Examples of tactile communication

How strongly people draw together! This is the whole psychology of speech. Types and functions of speech indicate its uniqueness. Modern technology allows you to hear the voice of a person at a distance and even using video link to see the person's face and the feelings that he wants to express. However, it is not possible to hug your child or slap a friend on the shoulder through a computer monitor. Communicating this way, you can not hug or kiss your loved one. Apparently, we very often transmit thoughts and express our views not only with the help of words. All this speaks in favor of the importance of tactile communication.

Written and spoken language

Considering the question of what kinds of speech are, and also 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 convey thoughts, but also in style and form of presentation. Written speech is more specific, since it should describe what a person can not see (not taking into account the illustrations). If we want to send a letter, or an article for our site, then, as a rule, we need to introduce readers to the course of the case, 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 speech 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 express thoughts such as "There!" Or "Look!", Are easily perceived by listeners. Oral speech achieves its goal, if it conveys information that relates to the needs of listeners. If this is not the case, and the person builds long voluminous sentences, then for most, his way of conveying thoughts will be perceived as long and boring. Therefore, from the point of view of the audience, a person who speaks beautifully and harmoniously is eloquent. This implies that he conveys thoughts concisely and aptly, affecting the feelings of listeners and holding their attention. Continuing to compare oral and written speech, it can be recalled that talented writers were not always beautiful speakers, and those who knew how to influence the masses with a word could sometimes not write at all. What types of eloquence are and are used in practice? We list only a few: spiritual, social, judicial and academic. Consider each of them in order and we will be able to see that they are all related to knowledge in a certain area.

Eloquence as the ability to discuss spiritual matters

The ability to influence the hearts of people has long been characteristic of many spiritual preachers. People who researched the Bible and found spiritual truth, many times stood before the court or in defense of their values. Among them there were many skilful speakers. Because of his views, which he skillfully defended on the basis of Scripture, Leo Tolstoy was excommunicated. JB Priestley was persecuted because of this. The clergy was seething with anger at everyone they recognized as "dissenters." The arguments that these people brought in the sermons were strikingly different from the hymns of modern priests, which were devoid of any eloquence.

Eloquence and everyday themes

Probably everyone has ever spoken before others. Today, there is often a need to speak to colleagues or superiors. And although this kind of speech is full of different "stereotypes" and "formalities," there are those who, using different metaphors, hyperboles and comparisons, can diversify their speech and, thus, have the proper impact on the audience. Consider what kinds of speech there are to better use all of its hidden potential.

Judicial eloquence

As you know, the most interesting kind of eloquence is the one that closely borders on the art of convincing. Probably, each of us is familiar with people who knew how to "convincingly" influence others. In court, this skill is needed more than anywhere else. The lawyer and the prosecutor, defending their views, try to convince and influence the judge and the jury. Such people can argue, logically argue 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 him before the court, but help to make the right decision by punishing the offender and acquitting the innocent. Another thing is that there are people in the world who are capable of sacrificing their moral principles for the sake of money, connections or benefits. Possessing the ability to convince, they can successfully influence others.

Academic eloquence

The transfer of scientific knowledge to others is possible if the speaker possesses 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 leads the evidence, uses scientific terms and appeals to what his colleagues already know. But it is in his interest to learn how to transfer material in an interesting form - so that listeners see a concrete benefit for themselves. Anywhere from this can not escape, so everyone is arranged - if we do not see personal benefit for ourselves, we are no longer interested in the subject stated by the speaker. To satisfy the personal "ego" and the recognition of the awareness that "they are being listened to," special eloquence is not required. However, if the scientist is interested in teaching and conveying information, he, of course, will make the necessary efforts for this.

Sociability

In contrast to the oratorical eloquence, which is claimed in formal discussions or presentations to the audience, communication skills are vital during live everyday communication. A person who is able to find a common language and conduct a dialogue with other people is called communicative. He knows how to see what excites people, touches these issues and achieves the desired goal. Such a person has perceptiveness and behaves tactfully and compliantly.

Communication and types of communication

Do not confuse communication with communication. These are different kinds of speech, and their characteristics are different. By the second, we mean not the way of conducting the conversation, but its appearance. Communications are of several types: mediated, frontal and dialogue. The first kind finds application in joint projects, when two people, for example, work on one scheme. So, people sometimes may not know each other's language, but the common goal to which they seek, applying their knowledge, is achieved through joint efforts.

Frontal communication implies the presence of a leader, or leader, who communicates information to others. Here the principle "from one to many" works. This type of communication is used when the speaker makes a speech before the audience.

Dialogue is a mutual exchange of information between two people, in which one can speak, then the other. Cross-dialogue can occur if the problem is discussed by a group of people.

"Inner" speech

The types of speech discussed above and their characteristics were types of external speech. However, in addition to external speech, there is also an inner speech. Such communication also reveals human speech as an activity. Listing the main types of speech, you can not miss this form. It includes unintelligible meditation (or internal monologue). In this case, the person's only interlocutor is himself. From the dialogic style of speech, this one is distinguished by the desire to cover as much as possible a specific topic. Dialogue, on the contrary, is mostly filled with simple phrases and rarely has a profound meaning.

Emotional color of speech

The correct perception of speech is affected by the intonation with which this or that expression is pronounced. In sign languages, the role of intonation is played by facial expressions. The complete absence of intonation is observed in written speech. Therefore, to give the text at least some emotional color, in modern social networks came up with emoticons that can partially transmit feelings, provided that the interlocutor is sincere. In scientific texts, smiles are not used, therefore the author expects special thoughtfulness, logic and beauty in writing the text. In such cases, for emotional color, use beautiful speech, adjectives and colorful images. However, the most lively speech is, of course, oral speech, thanks to which you can convey the entire palette of feelings and emotions experienced by a person. 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 relationships with others. However, the considered types, characteristics, functions of speech and other features of speech, will help you avoid such extremes.

The art of communication

Along with the progress of man in other areas, we can perceive speech as an activity or product of labor as a specific person, and a whole society. Realizing what great opportunities are revealed by human communication, some turn it into art. This can only be understood by enumerating what kinds 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.