Oral and written style: An examination of differences

Abstract

This study confirms the long‐held belief that language intended for the ear differs from language intended for the eye. Seven stylistic features were tested for ten pairs of formal, persuasive public addresses and published writings of major figures from the last fifty years. It was found that in comparison to written style, oral style uses significantly more personal references, more personal pronouns of the first‐ and second‐person singular and plural, shorter thought units, more repetition of words, more monosyllabic words, and more familiar words. No significant difference was found for variety of thought unit length.