Using an oral style of language can make your informative presentation more engaging. This style is similar to how people talk in everyday life instead of the more formal language you use in many written assignments. As Chapter 15 explains, adopting an oral style of language helps you create a sense of immediacy with your audience. It helps people quickly understand what you’re saying, and it makes your message more appealing. Consider the differences in the language of this main point for a speech on common chemicals found in the home:

Written style: “Biohazardous material exists in the kitchen cabinets of most U.S. households.”

Oral style: “If you look in your kitchen cabinets tonight, you’ll likely find some common biohazardous material.”

Most audiences prefer to listen to an oral style of language because it is more active, interesting, and common than a written style. In addition to being easier on listeners’ ears, an oral style of language helps you come across as more personable and authentic to your audience.