In order to know the meaning of the term elocution, it is essential, first of all, to discover its etymological origin. In this case, we can establish that it derives from Latin, specifically from the cultism “elocutio, elocutionis” which is the result of the sum of two lexical components:
-The prefix “ex-”, which can be translated as “outwards”.
-The verb “loqui”, which is synonymous with “speak”.
The concept refers to the way of selecting and ordering ideas and words during the development of a speech.
In general, the term is used, in fact, as a synonym for speech , since it is reflected in it. For example: “During his extensive speech before the legislators, the Minister of Economy defended the policies applied in the last five years in the country” , “The members filled the assembly hall to hear the speech of the club's new president” , “ The businessman's speech before the union delegates was concise and clear."
As a mode of choice and distribution of terms , elocution is one of the properties that can be distinguished in a literary work. There are books that, due to their elocution, are easy to understand, while others have complex or atypical elocution.
When expressing himself, a person can appeal to different forms of elocution. Style, grammar, tone and pronunciation also make up the elocution and determine the discursive characteristics. Typically, individuals resort to conventional elocutions, ordering and choosing words according to the most common cultural traits. In this way, understanding is facilitated since the reception of your speech should not be a problem.
The features of elocution, however, depend on the context. A subject does not use the same words at home, at work and at university because the environment conditions the way of expression.
It is important to know that when a person writes and tries to express themselves through writing, they can choose to express themselves through different types of elocution:
-The description, which is used to express what something we are talking about is like. Among the verb tenses that are most commonly used in this case are the present indicative and the past imperfect indicative.
-Narrative, which can be used to tell certain events that have taken place. In this case, we can establish that the verb tense that is usually used is the past perfect simple.
-The argument. This is the type of elocution that is used to be able to carry out what is the defense of ideas. In this case, ideas are defended through the use of arguments.
-Dialogue, which is the type of elocution that is used at a written level to be able to undertake the reflection of the words that two or more people have said. In this case, the use of the present indicative is common.
-The exhibition, which is included to proceed to present the ideas you have.