We use speech to communicate verbally through language.
Speech is the act of communicating verbally through the use of language. It is the process by which human beings use sounds and words to express thoughts, emotions, ideas and messages to other individuals. The ability to speak is a distinctive characteristic of our species and is essential for social interaction.
Fundamental components
Speech, as a primary form of verbal communication, is mainly composed of words and phrases, which people exchange in each conversation and dialogue.
Words
Basic units of spoken language that represent concepts, objects, actions, emotions, and more. Each word has its own meaning and can be combined with others to form phrases and sentences with complete meaning.
Words can be made up of one or more syllables and can vary in length and complexity. In addition, grammar classifies them into various categories , such as nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, conjunctions, and determiners.
Phrases
Combinations of words that form linguistic units with complete meaning . They consist of a series of words that are grouped together to express a specific idea or concept. They can vary in length and complexity, from simple expressions to more elaborate sentences.
Sentences can contain a subject and a predicate, and be composed of different types of words depending on the grammatical structure of the language in which they are expressed. Furthermore, they can be affirmative, negative, interrogative or imperative, among other types, depending on their communicative function.
Articulating and pronouncing words correctly is essential for clear communication.
Joint
Speech articulation is the process by which speech organs, such as the vocal cords, larynx , tongue , and lips, coordinate to produce specific sounds that form words and phrases. Two important aspects in this framework are pronunciation and accent, the proper use of which impacts good diction.
Pronunciation
The way individual sounds are articulated. Each language has its own set of distinctive sounds, known as phonemes , and their correct pronunciation is essential for clear and understandable communication .
Proper pronunciation involves the correct placement and movement of the speech organs to produce the desired sounds. For example, the position of the tongue, lips, and jaw can vary depending on the phoneme. It also includes the duration, intonation, and intensity of the voice, which can affect the meaning of a word or phrase in a given language.
Accent
A pattern of emphasis or intensity given to certain syllables within a word, phrase, or speech. It can vary by language and dialect , and can significantly affect speech understanding and interpretation. In Spanish and English, among others, words have prosodic accents that indicate which syllable should be pronounced with greater force or prominence.
Semantics
Semantics is a branch of linguistics that deals with the study of meaning in language. It focuses on how words, phrases and sentences convey specific meanings and how these relate to each other in the context of human communication.
Context , ambiguity, and clarity are crucial elements in discourse that influence how the communicated message is understood and interpreted .
Context
The physical, social , cultural and linguistic environment in which communication takes place. Provides additional information that helps recipients understand the meaning of a message . It may include factors such as the place and time in which the communication occurs, the relationships between the interlocutors, shared cultural background , and prior knowledge about the topic discussed.
Context can also determine the tone , intent, and relevance of the speech. Its complete understanding is crucial to correctly interpret the message and avoid misunderstandings.
Ambiguity
It occurs when a phrase or expression can have more than one meaning or interpretation . This may occur due to a lack of sufficient information, the presence of polysemous words (with multiple meanings), or the ambiguous grammatical structure of a sentence.
Ambiguity can make the message difficult to understand and lead to misunderstandings between interlocutors. To avoid this, it is important for the speaker to be clear and precise in their communication, using specific terms and providing enough context to clarify meaning.
Clarity
Allows easy and accurate understanding of speech. A clear message is one that is well organized, uses appropriate language, avoids ambiguity, and provides enough context for recipients to understand it without difficulty.
Clarity also involves proper articulation , clear pronunciation , and appropriate tone of voice.
The type of speech can be more or less formal and require the use of technical vocabulary.
Classification
Each type of speech serves a specific purpose and is adapted to different situations. Choosing the appropriate one depends on the context, the target audience and the purpose of the communication.
colloquial speech
It is characterized by being informal and close. It is used in everyday situations, among friends, family or co-workers. It tends to include idiomatic expressions, slang , and terms that may vary by region or culture . It is characterized by its spontaneity and its lack of formal grammatical restrictions .
formal speech
Contrary to colloquial speech, formal speech is used in situations that require a more serious and respectful tone . It is used in contexts such as the academic, professional, administrative field or in formal public speeches. Follow the grammatical rules and use more elaborate and precise vocabulary . The use of jargon and informal expressions is avoided.
technical talk
It is used in specific areas of knowledge, such as medicine, engineering, and computing. It includes specialized and precise terms that are intended to communicate ideas clearly within a particular field . It can be difficult to understand for people who are not familiar with the technical area in question.
public speaking
The language used in speeches , presentations or public interventions. It seeks to capture the audience 's attention, convey a message clearly and persuasively, and maintain the credibility of the speaker. It is characterized by its formality and organized structure, as well as by the use of rhetorical resources and persuasion techniques. The gift of oratory enhances its effectiveness.
private talk
It is used in intimate or personal situations, such as conversations between close friends, family or couples. It is characterized by its informality and its ability to express emotions, opinions and personal experiences without restrictions. It may include colloquial, humorous and confidential expressions.
direct speech
It is characterized by being clear, frank and blunt. The speaker communicates his ideas explicitly and unambiguously, using direct and concise language. Insinuations, irony and sarcasm are avoided, and transparent communication is sought.
children's speech
The language used by children in the early stages of development. It is characterized by its grammatical simplicity, repetition and absence of symbolism . Children often make pronunciation and conjugation errors, and may use a limited vocabulary compared to adults. But all this is polished with practice and learning that, except in exceptional cases, occur naturally throughout growth.