Speaking: Interactive Communication B2 - Lesson 5: Adapting Speech Style (Formal/Informal)

B2

Formal vs. Informal

ការសម្របរបៀបនិយាយ

🎯 Objective / គោលបំណង:

Treat language like clothing. Don't wear pyjamas to a meeting!

💬 Scenario: Asking for Help

To Friend Dara "Hey, got a sec? Can you give me a hand with this?"

Sophea To Boss "Excuse me, Ms. Smith. I was wondering if you might have a moment to assist me with this report?"

Analysis Note the length. Formal is usually longer and less direct. Informal is short and direct.

Interactive Tool: The Style Shifter

Toggle to see how the sentence changes.

"I need to talk to you."

The 3 Switches

1. Vocabulary

Formal uses Latin-based words. Informal uses Phrasal Verbs.

Formal: "Please inform me when you arrive."
Informal: "Let me know when you get there."

2. Grammar (Indirectness)

Formal uses "modals" and past tense to be polite.

Formal: "I was wondering if you could..."
Informal: "Can you..."

3. Contractions

Formal avoids them. Informal loves them.

Formal: "I am not sure."
Informal: "I'm not sure."

Choose the Right Tone

Situation: Emailing a client you don't know well.

A. "Hey! Send me the files ASAP."

B. "Could you please forward the documents at your earliest convenience?"

Situation: Texting your brother.

A. "I require your assistance."

B. "Help me out?"