Stylistics, Rhetoric, and Communication Skills: Academic Q&A

Posted on Nov 3, 2025 in English Studies

Section A: Stylistics and Rhetoric Fundamentals

1. Historical Background of Stylistics

Stylistics originated from classical rhetoric in Ancient Greece and Rome, where speech and persuasion were important. In the 20th century, it developed as a linguistic discipline, especially with structuralism and formalism. It combines literary analysis and linguistics to study how language creates meaning in texts. Key figures include Roman Jakobson and M.A.K. Halliday. Today, stylistics analyzes all types of texts—literary and non-literary.

2. Topic Outline for an Informative Speech

Topic: The Impact of Social Media on Communication

  • Introduction: Define social media and its global reach.
  • Body:
    1. History and rise of social media platforms.
    2. Positive effects: connectivity, information sharing.
    3. Negative effects: reduced face-to-face interaction, misinformation.
    4. Influence on language and communication styles.
  • Conclusion: Social media is powerful but must be used wisely.

3. Techniques for Achieving a Smooth Speech Delivery

To make a speech smooth and fluent, consider the following techniques:

  • Use clear structure: introduction, body, and conclusion.
  • Apply transitional phrases (e.g., “next,” “in contrast,” “therefore”) to connect ideas seamlessly.
  • Keep sentences short and active.
  • Practice intonation and pauses for emphasis.
  • Avoid fillers like “um” and “you know.”
  • Maintain eye contact and body language to engage the audience.
  • Rehearse well to gain confidence and fluency.

4. Comparing Legal Documents and Newspaper Reporting Styles

The styles of legal documents and newspaper reporting differ significantly, particularly in grammar and syntax:

  • Legal Documents: Use formal, precise language, with long, complex sentences. Passive voice is common.
    • Example: “The contract shall be deemed void upon violation.”
  • Newspaper Reporting: Is clear, concise, and direct. It often uses active voice and simpler grammar.
    • Example: “The president signed the agreement yesterday.”
  • Goal Difference: Legal style avoids ambiguity; newspaper style aims for quick understanding. Syntax in legal texts is more rigid, while journalism is more flexible to maintain reader interest.

Section C: Language Varieties and Clarity in Speech

1. Varieties According to Language Use

Language varieties include dialect, register, and idiolect:

  • Dialect: Language used by a specific region or social group (e.g., British English vs. American English).
  • Register: Language used in different contexts or situations (e.g., formal in job interviews, informal with friends).
  • Idiolect: A person’s unique way of speaking, encompassing their specific vocabulary and grammar patterns.

2. Sentence Outline: Benefits of Reading Books

  1. Reading improves vocabulary.
  2. It enhances imagination and creativity.
  3. It reduces stress and improves mental health.
  4. Reading increases knowledge and understanding of the world.

3. Strategies for Making a Speech Clear

To ensure clarity in a speech:

  • Use simple, direct language.
  • Organize ideas logically.
  • Repeat key points.
  • Use concrete examples.
  • Speak slowly and clearly.

4. Analyzing Formal Style Characteristics

The analyzed style is typically Formal, Legal, or Political.

  • Characteristics: Precise vocabulary, long sentences, frequent use of the passive voice, and an objective tone.
  • Difference from Everyday Language: Everyday language is simpler, shorter, more emotional, and personal. Formal texts are complex and impersonal to ensure clarity, authority, and precision in legal or political contexts.

Section E: Communication Styles and Writing Skills

1. Differences Between Legal Language and Conversation

  • Legal Documents: Use formal, technical, and complex language with long sentences and precise terms to avoid ambiguity.
  • Conversation: Is informal, spontaneous, and often includes slang, contractions, and incomplete sentences. It focuses on interaction, not precision.

2. Sentence Outline: Using ICT in Language Teaching

  1. ICT (Information and Communication Technology) makes language learning more interactive and engaging.
  2. It allows access to digital tools like videos, audio, games, and online dictionaries.
  3. Teachers can use ICT to explain difficult concepts in simple ways.
  4. Students improve listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills through multimedia resources.
  5. ICT supports autonomous and collaborative learning environments.

3. Defining Stylistics, Functions, and Elements

  • Stylistics Definition: Stylistics is the study of style in language, specifically how language is used in texts (literary or non-literary).
  • Main Functions: To analyze the writer’s language choices and their effects on readers.
  • Elements of Style: Vocabulary, sentence structure, imagery, tone, figurative language, and point of view.

4. Fourteen Essential Qualities of Good Writers

  1. Clear expression
  2. Good grammar
  3. Strong vocabulary
  4. Creativity
  5. Logical flow
  6. Proper structure
  7. Good organization
  8. Original ideas
  9. Adaptability to audience
  10. Effective editing
  11. Strong voice or tone
  12. Persuasiveness
  13. Attention to detail
  14. Consistency in style and message