● Refers to level of formality of language
● Formal / Informal
Influence which register used
Audience
● With whom are you communicating?
● What is the relationship between you?
● Communicating with person of authority or someone you do not know - formal register
● Communicating with person you know very well - informal register
Subject Matter
● What is the content of communication?
● Communicating something serious - formal register
● Subject matter run & light hearted - informal register
Context
● Where / how is communication happening?
● Written communication - formal register
● Spoken communication - informal register
● Formal environment (boardroom meeting) - formal register
● Casual setting (swimming pool on weekend) - informal register
Factors of Formal / Informal
Formal
● Elevated vocabulary
● Jargon
● Correct used of grammar & punctuation
● Formal tone - no jokes
● Literal language