Introduction to Speeches and Planned Spoken Language
Welcome! In this chapter, we are looking at speeches and planned spoken language. While most of the speech we hear every day is spontaneous (unplanned), a speech is a unique "hybrid." It is often written down first but is designed to be heard by an audience. Understanding how these texts work is essential for Unit 1, where you might have to analyze a speech or even write one yourself!
Other chapters in this section cover different forms like News and magazine articles and Digital texts, but speeches are special because they rely on the power of the human voice to deliver a message.
What is Planned Spoken Language?
Planned spoken language refers to any talk that has been prepared in advance. This includes formal political speeches, wedding toasts, monologues, or presentations. Unlike a casual chat with friends, these texts have a clear structure and a specific goal.
The "Hybrid" Nature: A speech usually starts as a written document (written mode) but is delivered as speech (spoken mode). This means it uses "literary" patterns (like complex sentences) but also "oral" patterns (like repetition to help the listener keep up).
Key Takeaway: Planned speech is prepared for the ear, not just the eye. It combines the careful thought of writing with the emotional impact of speaking.
The "Big Four" Contextual Factors
When you analyze a speech in Unit 1: Section A, you must always look at these four pillars:
1. Audience
Speeches are rarely meant for everyone. They are usually aimed at a constructed audience—a specific group the speaker has in mind.
• Specialist vs. Non-specialist: Does the speaker use technical jargon (for experts) or simple language (for the general public)?
• Idealized Reader/Listener: The speaker often treats the audience as if they already share the same values (e.g., using "we" to create a sense of unity).
2. Purpose
Most speeches are multi-purpose. While a politician might want to persuade you to vote for them, they also need to inform you about their policies and perhaps entertain you with a joke to build rapport.
3. Genre
The genre of a speech is defined by its conventions. For example, a graduation speech usually includes a welcome, some advice, and a "thank you." If you see a text with a clear greeting and a formal sign-off, you are likely looking at a speech genre.
4. Mode
This is the "how" of the communication. Speeches exist in the space between written and spoken modes. Look for features like "stage directions" (e.g., [Pause for applause]) or formatting that helps a speaker know where to emphasize words.
The Analytical Toolkit: The Six Language Levels
To get top marks, you need to use the six language levels to take the speech apart. Don't worry if these seem tricky; just think of them as different lenses to look through.
Phonetics and Phonology (The Sound)
Since a speech is meant to be heard, sound is vital.
• Prosodic features: This includes volume, pitch, and tempo.
• Rhythm: Speakers often use patterns of three (tricolons) to create a pleasing musical beat.
• Emphasis: Which words would the speaker stress to show power or emotion?
Lexis and Semantics (The Words)
• Loaded language: Words with strong emotional weight (e.g., using "catastrophe" instead of "problem").
• Metaphor and Simile: Comparing a difficult situation to a "storm" helps the audience visualize the message.
Grammar (The Structure)
• Imperative verbs: "Act now!" or "Believe in yourselves!" These give the speaker an air of authority.
• Sentence types: Short, simple sentences create impact; long, complex sentences can build tension or provide detail.
Pragmatics (The Hidden Meaning)
Pragmatics is about what is implied rather than what is said directly. A speaker might use shared knowledge (referring to a famous local event) to make the audience feel "in the loop."
Discourse (The Big Picture)
How is the speech organized? Is there a "hook" at the start? Do they use anaphora (repeating the same phrase at the start of sentences) to build momentum? Discourse is about how the whole text hangs together.
Graphology (The Visuals)
If you are looking at a transcript or a script, check the layout.
• Are there bolded words for emphasis?
• Are there bullet points for the speaker to follow?
• Is there a clear title or heading?
Language and Society: Power and Identity
In Unit 2, you might look at how speeches are used to claim power and status.
• Asserting Power: A leader uses formal grammar and "we" (the collective pronoun) to show they speak for everyone.
• Creating Identity: A speaker might use slang or informal language to show they belong to a specific social group or to build rapport (a friendly connection) with the audience.
• Shared Play: Speeches aren't always serious! Puns and wit are used for "play," making the speaker more likable.
Step-by-Step: Writing a Speech (Unit 1, Section B)
In the exam, you might be asked to transform a text (like a news article) into a speech. Here is how to do it:
Step 1: Identify your new audience. If you're writing for teenagers, use different lexis than if you're writing for the Prime Minister.
Step 2: Set the tone. Should it be inspiring, angry, or funny?
Step 3: Use rhetorical devices. Include a rhetorical question to engage the listener and use repetition for emphasis.
Step 4: Use "Signposting." Since the audience can't "re-read" a spoken speech, use phrases like "Firstly," "My second point is," and "In conclusion" to guide them.
Quick Review: Top Tips for Success
Common Mistake to Avoid: Don't analyze a speech script as if it were just an essay. Always remember it is meant to be performed and heard!
Quick Checklist:• Did I mention the audience and purpose?
• Did I use terminology like prosody, lexis, and rhetoric?
• Did I look at how the speaker shows power or status?
• Did I identify features of planned speech (like careful structure) vs. spontaneous speech (like pauses or fillers)?
Did you know? Even the most "natural" sounding speeches are usually heavily edited. This is why we call it planned spoken language—the goal is to make a prepared script feel authentic and personal!