choral speaking: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, educational, performative.
Quick answer
What does “choral speaking” mean?
The recitation of text, often poetry, by a group of people speaking in unison.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The recitation of text, often poetry, by a group of people speaking in unison.
A performance art and educational activity where a group speaks a piece of text together, often with planned variations in volume, pace, and tone for dramatic effect.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used in both varieties, but the activity may be more commonly associated with school curricula and festivals in the UK. In the US, it is often linked to speech, drama, or forensics competitions.
Connotations
In the UK, it often carries connotations of traditional school activities and community performances. In the US, it may be viewed more as a competitive or specialised theatrical technique.
Frequency
Low-frequency in general conversation. Higher frequency in educational, theatrical, and literary contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “choral speaking” in a Sentence
The [GROUP] performed [PIECE] through choral speaking.We are [PREPARING/PRACTISING] a [PIECE] for choral speaking.Choral speaking of [POEM/TEXT] requires [SKILL].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “choral speaking” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The Year 6 pupils won the county championship for choral speaking.
- Her specialism is coaching choral speaking in primary schools.
American English
- The speech team's choral speaking entry was incredibly powerful.
- He took a college course on the history of choral speaking.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in literature, drama, and education studies to describe a specific performance genre or pedagogical tool.
Everyday
Rare. Might be used by parents discussing school activities or participants in drama groups.
Technical
Used in theatre, performance studies, and speech pedagogy to denote specific techniques for group vocalisation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “choral speaking”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “choral speaking”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “choral speaking”
- Using 'choral' as an adverb (e.g., 'They spoke chorally'). While possible, 'in chorus' or 'in unison' is more common. Confusing it with a choir singing. Using it to refer to a single person's style of speaking.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A choir sings musical notes; choral speaking involves spoken word, often with rhythmic and dynamic coordination but without melodic pitch.
While possible, it is most effective and commonly used with poetry, verse, or texts with strong rhythmic, repetitive, or rhetorical structures.
It is a specific technique used in some plays, particularly those with Greek choruses or in experimental/physical theatre, but it is not a mainstream, everyday theatrical device.
It develops listening skills, teamwork, vocal projection, diction, rhythm, interpretation of text, and performance confidence.
The recitation of text, often poetry, by a group of people speaking in unison.
Choral speaking is usually formal, educational, performative. in register.
Choral speaking: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɔːrəl ˈspiːkɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɔːrəl ˈspiːkɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To speak with one voice (conceptually related).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CHOIR (choral) not singing but SPEAKING together.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPEECH IS A CHORAL PERFORMANCE (where unity, harmony, and collective voice are emphasised).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of choral speaking?