Searle's Classification of Speech Act Activity

Assertion - a confident and forceful statement of fact or belief.

I believe that ...

Directive - the speaker tries to make the

addressee perform an action.

If you could speak to the President of the Philippines, what would be your request?

Commissive - commitment to do something in the future.

What do you plan to accomplish this year?

Expressive - convey feelings or emotional reactions.

What can you say to:

(1) your family / relative/ loved ones

(2) bashers/ enemies

(3) friends / classmates

(4) others

Declaration - act which brings a change in the external situation

If you would be the president of the Philippines, what would you declare?

I declare ...