Formal Speaking

Notes

Formal communication can be considered as communication efforts that are “dressed up”. For example, in a written letter, the formal communication style will demand that the layout of the piece of written communication follow a specific format that includes the date, header, greeting, body of the letter, close, signature lines and any indicators of enclosures all done neatly above a company overhead or anything else professional.

A few ways to have formal communication are:

a) Complaint

b) Application Form

c) Debate

d) Public Speaking

e) Interview sessions

d) Formal letters/ emails

As you see, all of these ways of communication are very professional in the way it is put out and there is a reason for that. Such things as a complaint letter or speech must be done properly to get the recipient to take you serious and know that you are a professional with a professional way of speaking. Same thing as the interview sessions, it’s important to speak professionally in a formal ways to show formality and respect as how you present the information and conduct effective communication.

Greetings are a part of formal and informal communication as well. It gives a very good sense of first impression to your audience. Through greetings, you are able to show your respect towards your listeners and also respondents.

Exercises

Exercise 1

Instructions: Get into groups of five for debate based activity to be carried out. Two groups are given a topic, for which, one group agrees and another group is in the opposition team.

1) Some families living in the rural areas believe that education is not crucial for the development of an individual. In fact, they agree to the fact that, their traditions and cultural beliefs places much more importance than education. Do you agree with this fact?

2) Should countries prioritize war or peace to advance the economic growth in the country?

3) Malaysia is a harmonious country with more than two ethnics living together. Despite the racial integrity of the country, there are still incidents taking place to tear the unity of our countrymen. Should these incidents be tolerable?

4) Smart devices are being used commonly in everyday living. Is it necessary to introduce the rule of allowing students to bring their smart gadgets to scholarly institutions such as school?

Exercise 2

Instructions: Pick a paper containing a topic from the Jar of Speech. Present your speech in 10 minutes.

Example topics from the Jar of Speech

1) Something I am proud of. My Culture, My Heritage.

2) Arranged Marriage or Love Marriage?

3) The ability of a woman as compared to of a man in today’s world.

4) Usage of English as our official language.

5) Advantages of living in a Multicultural society.

Exercise 3

Instructions: Get into a pair. Decide on who is to be the interviewer and interviewee with your pair. Use the following set of questions by filling in the form, to hire your next employee. During the interview, formal behavior is encouraged.

Questions	Answers
Are you a fun person?
What did you like/ dislike from your previous job?
Describe your ideal boss
How would you describe yourself?
Are you willing to work under a stressful environment?
If you could relive your past 10 years, what would you do differently?
Why should I hire you instead of anyone around here?
If your boss is 100% wrong about something, how would you correct him?
Why did you apply to work for us?

Outcome: ____________________________________

Hired: YES/NO

Assessment

Name: Date: Title of Skit performed:	Excellent (5 Marks)	Moderate (3 Marks)	Need Improvement (0 Marks)
Voice projection -The voice projected is loud and clear enough for the teacher to be able to evaluate the students.
Fluency -The pace of speaking should be at a moderate level, with smooth flow of words.
Formality -Students exhibit formality in verbal, paralinguistic and extra linguistic.
Organization of Ideas -The ideas in the speech are organized in a coordinated way.