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 with each other in their own way, only a person is able to build words from letters, and form sentences from them. However, oral speech is not the only way of communication that we use. In addition to our 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 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. Besides, as we shall see, reflection is communication alone with oneself. Next, consider what types of speech are.
Sound and gesture speech
Spoken language has never existed on its own. Facial expressions and gestures give expressiveness and emotion to words. Deaf and dumb people, unable to communicate in the usual way, easily exchange thoughts using sign language, which, oftenmaybe even more expressive than our usual conversation. In turn, speech can be divided into written and oral, external and internal. There are also two types of communication: verbal and non-verbal. 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. This or that sign, shown with the help of hands or other parts of the body, can mean a word or convey a whole thought. Thus, a nod of the head can mean the words "no" or "yes", and a gesture with the index finger can convey several thoughts: "over there", "look," over there "or" here. "A person who uses gestures may not utter a single one word, but at the same time he continues to communicate. True, it is impossible to completely separate sound and gestural speech, since they go hand in hand - complement and balance each other.
Types of non-verbal communication
What types of speech does a person have? Gestures refer to non-verbal communication, while verbal communication refers to the exchange of thoughts with the help of words. Here are some examples of non-verbal communication, the ability to convey thoughts and feelings, speaking in "body language":
- gestures and facial expressions;
- posture (how we carry ourselves);
- intonation;
- eye contact;
- tactile communication.
Despite all the benefits of non-verbal contact, unlike normal conversation, facial expressions and gestures can more often be misunderstood. A person can give 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 the manner of behaving. And that's okay, because you have to be a hypocrite to fake a smile when upset.
Examples of tactile communication
How much communication brings people together! This is the whole psychology of speech. The types and functions of speech testify to its uniqueness. Modern technical means make it possible to hear a person's voice at a distance and even, using video communication, see a person's face and the feelings that he wants to express. However, through a computer monitor, it is impossible to hug your child or pat a friend on the shoulder. Communicating in this way, you will not be able to hug or kiss your loved one. As you can see, we very often convey thoughts and express 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 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 kindsinteractions between people differ not only in the way of conveying thoughts, but also in the style and form of presentation. Written language is more specific, as it must describe what a person cannot see (ignoring illustrations). If we want to send a letter, or an article for our site, then we usually 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 language 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 non-specific, because two people (unless they are talking on the phone) are united by one situation, so words or gestures expressing thoughts such as "There!" or "Look!" are easily perceived by listeners. Oral speech achieves its purpose if it conveys information that relates to the needs of the listeners. If this is not the case, and a person builds long voluminous sentences, then for the majority 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 fluently is eloquent. This implies that he conveys thoughts concisely and accurately, touching the feelings of the listeners and holding their attention. Continuing to compare oral and written speech, we can recall that talented writers were not always beautiful.orators, and those who knew how to influence the masses with words sometimes could not write at all. What types of eloquence exist and are used in practice? We list only a few: spiritual, social, judicial and academic. Let's look at each of them in order and we can see that they are all related to knowledge in a certain area.
Eloquence as the ability to discuss spiritual issues
The ability to influence the hearts of people has long been characteristic of many spiritual preachers. People who have searched the Bible and found spiritual truth have come to court many times or defended their values. Among them were many skillful orators. Because of his views, which he skillfully defended on the basis of Scripture, Leo Tolstoy was excommunicated from the church. J. B. Priestley was persecuted because of the same. The clergy seethed with anger at anyone who was recognized as "dissident". The arguments that these people gave in their sermons were strikingly different from the eloquent chants of modern priests.
Eloquence and everyday topics
Probably everyone has performed in front of others at some point. Today, it often becomes necessary to speak to colleagues or superiors. And although this type of speech is full of various "patterns" and "formalities", there are those who, using various metaphors, hyperbole and comparisons, can diversify their speech and, thereby, have a proper impact on the audience. Consider what types of speech are in order to better use all its hidden potential.
Judicial eloquence
As you know, the most interesting kind 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, this skill is needed more than anywhere else. The lawyer and the prosecutor, defending their views, try to convince and influence the judge and jury. Such people can argue, reason logically and try to influence our moral perception of the situation. As a result, the bad can 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, punishing the criminal 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 profit. With the ability to persuade, they can successfully influence others.
Academic eloquence
Scientific knowledge can be passed on 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 a scientist presents his material, how he provides evidence, uses scientific terms and appeals to what his colleagues already know. But it is in his interests to learn how to convey the material in an interesting way - so that the listeners see a specific benefit for themselves. There is no getting away from this, this is how every person works - if we do notwe see personal benefit for ourselves, we are no longer interested in the subject presented by the speaker. To satisfy the personal "ego" and assert the awareness that "he is being listened to", special eloquence is not required. However, if a scientist is interested in teaching and passing on information, he will certainly make the necessary efforts to do so.
Communication
Unlike oratorical eloquence, which is in demand in formal discussions or speeches in front of an audience, sociability is vital during live everyday communication. A sociable person is called a person who knows how to find a common language and conduct a dialogue with other people. He knows how to see what excites people, touches on these issues and achieves the desired goal. Such a person has insight and behaves tactfully and accommodatingly.
Communications and types of communication
Don't confuse sociability with communications. These are different types of speech, and their characteristics are different. The second means not the way of conducting a conversation, but its appearance. There are several types of communication: mediated, frontal and dialogue. The first type is used in joint projects, when two people, for example, work on the same circuit. So, people sometimes may not know each other's language, but the common goal to which they strive, applying their knowledge, is achieved by joint efforts.
Front communication implies the presence of a presenter, or a leader who conveys information to others. This is where the one-to-many principle comes into play. This kindcommunication is used when the speaker makes a speech in front of the audience.
Dialogue is a mutual exchange of information between two people, in which either one or the other can speak. Cross-talk can occur if a group of people are discussing an issue.
"Inner" speech
The above types of speech and their characteristics were varieties of external speech. However, in addition to external speech, there is also internal speech. Such communication also reveals human speech as an activity. Listing the main types of speech, this form should not be missed. It includes unvoiced reflection (or internal monologue). In this case, the only interlocutor of a person is himself. From the dialogical style of speech, this one is distinguished by the desire to cover a specific topic as much as possible. Dialogue, on the contrary, is mostly filled with simple phrases and rarely carries a deep meaning.
Emotional coloring of speech
The correct perception of speech is affected by the intonation with which this or that expression is pronounced. In sign languages, facial expressions play the role of intonation. The complete absence of intonation is observed in written speech. Therefore, in order to give the text at least some emotional coloring, 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, so the author is expected to be especially thoughtful, logical and beautiful in writing the text. In such cases, for an emotional color, beautiful turns are used.speeches, adjectives and colorful images. 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 a person. Only by 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 its other features will help you avoid such extremes.
The art of communication
Along with human progress in other areas, we can perceive speech as an activity or a product of the work of both a certain person and a whole society. Realizing what great opportunities human communication opens up, some turn it into art. This can be understood only by listing what kinds of eloquence are in nature. Thus we shall see what a precious gift the ability to communicate is. However, it also happens that a person has various congenital or acquired types of speech disorders.
