speech informal synonym

Synonyms of informal

• as in unconventional
• as in casual
• as in colloquial
• More from M-W
• To save this word, you'll need to log in. Log In

Thesaurus Definition of informal

Synonyms & Similar Words

• unconventional
• unceremonious
• unauthorized
• free and easy
• ultracasual

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• conventional
• ceremonious
• constrained
• dressed down
• fashionable
• conversational
• nonliterary
• dialectical
• nonstandard
• ungrammatical
• substandard
• nongrammatical
• grammatical
• undialectical

Examples of informal in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'informal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near informal

inform (against)

informality

Cite this Entry

“Informal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/informal. Accessed 25 Aug. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on informal

Nglish: Translation of informal for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of informal for Arabic Speakers

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the day.

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Plural and possessive names: a guide, 31 useful rhetorical devices, more commonly misspelled words, absent letters that are heard anyway, how to use accents and diacritical marks, popular in wordplay, 8 words for lesser-known musical instruments, it's a scorcher words for the summer heat, 7 shakespearean insults to make life more interesting, 10 words from taylor swift songs (merriam's version), 9 superb owl words, games & quizzes.

Formal Vs Informal Speeches: An A-Z Guide

Hrideep barot.

• Public Speaking , Speech Writing , Workplace Communication

A speech is either formal or informal. Meaning, it can either be a formal address delivered to an audience or the daily use of grammar and words to communicate. The only purpose of either of those speeches is to put across a message well enough to invoke the desired response from your audience. Throughout history, humans all across the world cleverly inspired world-wide revolutions solely through the power of speech. Since then, a lot of tools and techniques of speeches have developed to ensure we use this power to its maximum capacity.  

The two broad classifications of events we use speeches are called formal events and informal events. Therefore, depending on the kind of audience, the situation, the message, the tone and the environment, the orator must decide whether they should address a formal speech or an informal speech. Working out where you use what kind of speech is the most important aspect of being a good communicator.

Formal Speeches

What are formal speeches.

Formal Speeches are made when you’re speaking to a sizable audience you don’t personally know. These are professional events where you’re expected to make a good impression on the audience. The nature of these events is often serious and decorous. These events therefore demand a similar respectable tone of language and speech.

For example, while at a job interview, speaking to an individual of authority, delivering a lecture, making a presentation, giving a pitch, motivating the audience, hosting a business event etc., you must ensure you speak formally. 

What makes a speech formal?

Formal speeches are also called orations. They are used in situations that are more ‘serious.’ They project a specific tone and specific characteristics. A few basic tools and attributes of formal speeches are:

The tone of a formal speech is always polite and respectful. Since formal speeches are mainly used to communicate with people in authority or strangers, it is important to structure your sentences suitably. The use of civilised words, appropriate grammar, complete sentences and enhanced vocabulary maintains the decorum of a formal speech.

Objectiveness

A formal communication style usually takes no stances. The sentence is spoken in a passive voice with a minimum use of personal pronouns. When we avoid using personal pronouns such as ‘I’, ‘We’ and ‘You’, the essence of the point changes from being an opinion to a fact. Therefore, the content of your speech sounds more objective than subjective.

Effectiveness

A formal speech is more effective than an informal speech because it comprises longer sentences and clear, non-colloquial phrases. It is well-spoken and the pronunciations are fathomable and precise. Its adherence to the Standard English language makes it comprehensible for the entire audience, even the non-native English speakers. It therefore proves to be extremely effective, suitable for a workplace or a business environment.

Standard English Language

A formal speech naturally follows the standards and rules formally set by the language. Languages tend to have regional differences and additional local slang to them. Even within England, British English and Scottish English tend to have different dialects and colloquial. For example, maybe phrases like “sure-fire” or “works like a charm” are deemed normal at your workplace but you cannot expect a non-English speaking trader to know them. When we adhere to the Standard English prescribed by Oxford, everybody who has academically learnt the English language is able to understand what one is trying to say.

The generous use of long sentences, no contractions, minimum abbreviations, proper grammar, complex sentence structure, clear pronunciation and overall objectiveness of the information brings a lot of clarity to one’s speech. There is seldom any room for doubts or misunderstandings. The extensive use of impersonal and formal language brings out professionalism and makes your information more credible.

What should you NOT include in a Formal Speech

The obvious ways of distinguishing between a formal speech and an informal speech are determined through the process of elimination. The following are a few things that you shouldn’t include in a formal speech:

Casual Greeting

There are a number of ways you can greet a person. Each kind of greeting has formal and informal versions that you can use based on how well you know the person and what degree of professionalism you are required to maintain with that person. For example,

• Formal: Hello, how do you do?
• Informal: Hey, how are ya?
• Formal: Nice to meet you/ Pleased to meet you.
• Informal: Good to see you.
• Formal: How have you been?
• Informal: Long time no see!

Slangs and Colloquialism

Slangs include a language that’s peculiar to a particular group, a regional reference, or even curse words. It’s extremely important to keep slang words at bay when you’re delivering a formal speech. A formal tone prescribes standard, professional English language. For example,

• Informal: Stats say, stress is the reason why this workplace is always screwing up.
• Formal: According to statistics, stress is one of the most frequent factors that disrupts efficiency and encourages problems in the workplace.
• Informal: Know yourself honestly and well enough to find what stresses you out.
• Formal: Being candid with ourselves is the most effective way to establish the triggers of stress we experience.

Contractions

Contracting words and sentences assert an informal and casual tone. If you are aiming to sound professional and polished, avoiding contractions is recommended. For example,

• Informal: I’ve had enough, I don’t think I’m gonna let this slide the next time.
• Formal: Your limit has been surpassed, I do not think this mistake will go unpunished the next time.

Personal Pronouns

The main characteristics of a formal speech are its impersonal nature and the precise, passive and objective delivery of information. While writing a formal speech, avoid using pronouns altogether. However, if required, try using neutral pronouns such as ‘one.’ For example,

• Informal: I was alarmed when I found out the effects of stress.
• Formal: The effects of stress were found to be quite alarming.
• Informal: You shouldn’t stress out about the things you can’t control.
• Formal: One shouldn’t take stress about the things beyond one’s control.

Poor Vocabulary

Gather your thesaurus before you write your formal speech because the better your vocabulary, more formal the content of your speech sounds. While both your sentences would mean the same thing, the tone in which they are delivered would classify them as informal speeches or formal speeches. For example,

• Informal: He took the item back to the shop.
• Formal: He returned the item to the shop.
• Informal: The CEO of this company gave up his position because his mental health was being affected.
• Formal: The CEO of this company relinquished his position due to his mental health being compromised.

How should you structure a Formal Speech?

The basic structure of a formal speech is no different than the structure of an essay. Organising your speech not only improves the clarity of thought but also amplifies the effectiveness of your content. A formal speech includes an introduction, a body and a conclusion.

The Introduction

A formal introduction establishes a respectful contact between the speaker and the listener. The introduction should last for one minute at the most. It should sound deferential and strictly adhere to formal English. How should you begin a formal speech?

The Greeting

The introduction of a formal speech can typically begin with a greeting. After wishing ‘good morning’ or ‘good evening’ depending on the time of the day, you may introduce yourself humbly. You can thank the organisers of the event for inviting you to speak or compliment a senior member of the event to pay respect. 

Acknowledging the Audience

It is polite to thank the audience for gathering to hear you out. Greet them with a genuine smile and express what an honour it is to be speaking before them today. After all, they have sacrificed their precious time to be here today.

Placing your Claim

The introduction is the most crucial segment of your speech. The curiosity you are able to pique in this part decides how much audience you will retain throughout your speech. It is extremely important you place your claim in the most catchy manner. Even in a formal speech, you can use quotes, rhetorical devices, imagery, startling elements, stories or even silence. As long as the language used is respectful, professional and follows the formal English, it can be a good opener for a formal speech. 

In case you’re looking for a few creative ways you can open your speech, you can refer to our blogpost for help!

The body makes up everything you have to say about the claim you placed in the introduction. It can have additional facts, supporting arguments and other temporal modes of organising your information. The temporal modes of organising information can be:

• Cause-effect relation in past, present or future tense
• Effect-cause relation which is basically inverting it and highlighting the effects before you state how they are achieved.
• Compare and contrast your entities.
• Narrate your topics as a story by organising the flow of the speech by finding relation and joint-relevance between two topics.
• Subdividing a large chunk of information into headings and subheadings is also a good topical way to organise your information formally.

The Conclusion

How do you end a formal speech? The conclusion follows the transition that was laid down by the body. The two main aims of a conclusion are to summarise the ideas of the speech and provide a closure. The conclusion of any formal speech can include:

• A summary of the speech.
• A ‘Now-What?’ statement elucidating the takeaway of the speech for the audience.
• A reference back to the introduction of the speech.
• An open-ended question to ponder upon.

If the last line of your speech is as important as the introduction segment where you make the claim. The weight and impact of the last sentence decides how memorable your speech would be. If you don’t feel like dropping the mic after the last sentence of your speech, maybe it’s not as mind-blowing and impactful as it ideally should be. 

If you are looking to seek more advice on how you can structure your formal speeches more professionally , be sure to check out our guidelines.

Informal Speeches

Informal speeches are casual and relaxed. They are made while talking to friends, colleagues or people you personally know. There are no hard and fast rules while making an informal speech other than somehow conveying the message you want to convey. 

What makes a speech informal?

Informal speeches radiate a very comfortable and relaxed energy. They’re friendlier than formal speeches and they often carry the personality of the person addressing them. A few characteristics that can help you identify informal speeches are:

Since casual speeches don’t require a very strict preparation like formal speeches, they are often easygoing. Informal speeches are made sporadically and are mostly off the record. The level of ease informal speeches carry can differ from person to person given how extroverted they are, or how comfortable they are with the audience. 

Informal speeches sound colourful. In the sense, the speaker is given the liberty to express themselves as they truly are. They don’t have a monotonous tone like formal speeches. The speaker can add their own slang, phrases they normally use, their personality, their dialects and in general make the speech as entertaining and fun as they please. 

Informal speeches give you the artistic and comedic liberty to put forth your message. While formal speeches usually adhere to the strictness of sounding ‘serious’ and ‘professional’, informal speeches are like laid back and pleasurable conversations.

You do not normally talk in complex sentence structures or dramatically use vocabulary. Likewise, informal speeches are often simple and straightforward. They use short sentences and terms and references from day-to-day life. You may use words and phrases like ‘that’s dope’, ‘don’t be salty’, ‘bruh’, ‘I’m shook’, ‘No cap’ etc. 

Informal speech is used in day-to-day life. Unlike other languages, most English speakers tend to speak informally with strangers on the street. While they’re friendly, they might not necessarily be polite if the listener cannot interpret the tone of your speech. 

Since informal speeches are more often used in everyday life, they don’t really have a structure. They do not require an introduction, a body or a conclusion. Apart from the unspoken rules of exchanging pleasantries and courtesy, you do not need to ‘prepare’ anything formal, just have the idea of what you want to say in mind.

A few examples of informal speeches would be:

• A Best Man’s Speech for his Brother’s Wedding: In this example, the occasion is properly informal. The speaker is amongst friends and family, speaking about his brother and his new wife. It is hilarious and also contains a poem to deliver the message!

• A Valedictorian Speech for the Class of 2010: In this example, while the occasion is formal, the speaker has very cleverly added a subtle informal tone while still maintaining the collective polite structure. He framed all inside jokes in a way everybody could understand. It was overall confident, humorous, ingenious and a great valedictorian speech.

What are the Main Differences Between Formal and Informal Speeches?

The following table elucidates the main differences between formal and informal speeches, summarising all its characteristics.

Case Study: A Sales Pitch

Let’s study the an applied example of formal and informal speeches. The above video is a sales pitch for electric cars. There are two characters in this video, each used in informal speech and formal speech respectively. Let us analyse both their speeches to understand how you can implement the two styles in your communication. 

Informal Speech

The first man uses an informal style of speech. He begins his speech by saying, “Ladies and gentlemen, electric cars. They’re totally gay.” Naturally, in a work environment where formal tones are expected, the opening statement left all the members of the meeting stupefied. They found his speech disrespectful and all the faces around the room were either shocked, perplexed or disapproving. The casual tone could have easily been found offensive on the pretext of homophobia. He also says things like ‘rock-and-roll-ness’, ‘sexiness of the car’, ‘this model took more virginities than Francis Albert Sinatra’, which can come across as rather controversial in a formal business meeting. Gradually, the informal and blunt approach did work out for the salesperson. However, the chances of it being successful are bleak and you could just be overruled any time. Using a formal tone is therefore a safer option.

Formal Speech

The second man in the film, referred to as Nicholas, takes over and summarises the pitch using formal speech. He uses statements like, ‘We believe we can produce the technology to incorporate an electric motor in your current model.’ He said the exact same thing the first man was trying to communicate but in a far more classy manner. Instead of calling it ‘sexy’ or ‘rock-and-roll’, he refers to its features as ‘exhilarating’ and ‘aggressive’, making the experience ‘visceral’ and retaining a manly retro element of the car than making it look ‘gay’. 

This example distinguishing formal speech with informal speech hopefully gives you a thorough idea of what they are. However, when should you use formal speech? And when should you give an informal speech?

Should you use Formal Speech or Informal Speech?

Knowing what speech is best suited for the given situation always depends on the context. You should be intelligent enough to be able to recognize situations that demand a formal tone and situations that can be handled casually.

Generally, informal speeches are made at weddings while giving a toast or at birthdays to express love etc. Formal speeches are made in professional settings, work places, educational institutes, talking to authorities, job interviews, business meetings, negotiations, elders or people you don’t know.  

However, sometimes in job interviews, the interviewer can be looking for what your personality is like. In situations like this, you need to tone down how formally you talk. Some corporate cultures embrace a casual and informal tone in their business affairs while some companies prefer individuals who can maintain a strong formal and professional persona. 

When you are doubtful about what speech to use, always stick to formal speech. While informal speech is friendly, formal speech is polite. It establishes goodwill and credibility. Although it’s not good to be overly formal either. Saying “Greetings, let me guide you through the floorplans of this building so you can navigate the office easily.” is frankly absurd and foolish. Being too formal can also come across as cold, distant and ironically even impolite. You do not want to be a robot. Sometimes saying, “Good morning, allow me to give you an office tour.” does just the right thing.

To Conclude,

A good communicator can not only convey any kind of message to their audience but also convey their message to any kind of audience. And in order to achieve this, a good communicator is the master of the art of speech as well as the master of knowing the audience and what tone they would appreciate. 

Enroll in our transformative 1:1 Coaching Program

Schedule a call with our expert communication coach to know if this program would be the right fit for you

How to Brag Like a Pro as a Speaker

Less is More! Tips to Avoid Overwhelming Your Audience 

What does it mean to Resonate with the Audience- Agreement, Acceptance, Approval

• [email protected]
• +91 98203 57888

Get our latest tips and tricks in your inbox always

Copyright © 2023 Frantically Speaking All rights reserved

What Are the Differences Between Formal & Informal Speech?

How to Use Adverbs in Writing

The major differences between formal and informal speech come from the social and cultural contexts in which speakers use them. Speakers tend to use informal English among friends and relatives. Informal speech can include informal text messages and other written communication. Speakers use formal speech in more professional settings, usually among colleagues or new acquaintances. Judgment of comfort level and social expectations give clues to speakers so that the average person switches between formal and informal speech in a variety of situations.

To recognize the difference between formal and informal English, pay close attention to contractions, phrasal verbs, colloquialisms and, in informal text, the use of the first person.

Informal English Uses More Contractions

A contraction is a shortening of two words that combines them into one. Some common examples of contractions are can’t, won’t and don't. While most who speak English use contractions regularly, whether you're speaking in a formal setting to business people or your friends at school, contractions in formal written English are less common. So the use of contractions sometimes makes an easy indicator if a piece of writing qualifies as informal text. The more informal a text is, the more it will sound like regular speech, contractions and all.

Example Sentence: "I can’t go to school today because my car won’t start."

This sentence is informal for a number of reasons. The primary one is its use of contractions. To make the sentence sound more formal, a writer could take out the instances of contractions and replace them with their standard English equivalent.

New Sentence: "I cannot go to school today because my car refused to start."

Phrasal Verbs Abound in Informal Speech

A phrasal verb is an idiom in which a verb is accompanied by another word to make a complete expression. Some examples include “picked on,” “takes after” and “looking forward to.”

Example Sentence: "I put up with his shenanigans for so long that the two of us would have passed for brothers."

Not only do the phrasal verbs in this sentence make it informal, they make the sentence feel long-winded and wordy as well. To correct that, a writer should find more succinct synonyms for the phrasal verbs.

New Sentence: "I endured his shenanigans for so long that the two of us seemed like brothers."

Informal Speaking Patterns Use Colloquialisms and Slang

Slang is a type of vocabulary used by one social group but not by the population at large. Colloquial speech often refers to the use of a regional dialect and is often conflated with informal speech.

Example Sentence: "My rad Delorean zapped me all the way to the 2020s, and it was a totally righteous trip."

The problem with slang is that it isn’t always descriptive. It indicates tone and feeling more than it does detail. As you will see, attempting to excise slang can completely change the meaning of a sentence, so be careful!

New Sentence: "My energy-efficient Delorean helped me travel to the 2020s, and the trip was quite informative."

Watch for First Person Pronouns in Informal Text

While most people speak in the first person, many types of documents require more formal third-person writing. If you're writing a formal essay, watch out for the sneaky “I” appearing where it shouldn’t.

Example Sentence: "I think time travel is a fascinating subject, but I’m not sure it will ever become as easy as in the movies."

Even when writing an opinion essay, the use of the first person is unnecessary. The reader will assume that you think or believe everything you write unless you say otherwise. To make your writing more formal, remove the first person.

New Sentence: "Time travel is a fascinating subject, but it will never become as easy as in the movies."

Related Articles

How to Speak Formal English

How to Teach Contractions to ESL Students

How to Write a Testimonial Speech

Difference Between Imperative and Exclamatory

Rules for Elementary English Grammar

What Is a Formulaic Phrase?

How to Teach Direct and Indirect Speech

How to Write an Essay in Conversation Style

• University of Technology Sydney: Formal and Informal Language
• RegisteredNursing.org: Distinguishing Between Formal and Informal Language: TEAS
• Espresso English: Formal, Semi-Formal, And Informal English

Rebecca Renner is a teacher and college professor from Florida. She loves teaching about literature, and she writes about books for Book Riot, Real Simple, Electric Literature and more.

Informal speech

Informal speech antonyms, informal speech synonyms.

• colloquialism

Look up a word, learn it forever.

/ɪnˈfɔrməl/.

If something’s informal , it’s casual and relaxed and doesn’t follow any particular rules or conventions, whether that's a style of writing, or the dress code for your dinner party.

If you have informal plans to see your friend, that means you’ll get together but you’re not sure when — you’ll figure it out later. Informal also means “casual,” like wearing jeans and a t-shirt. Informal writing or speech is the linguistic equivalent of wearing jeans and a t-shirt, with a relaxed tone and simple words. In an informal football club, you don't pay dues to anyone, you just show up at the park and play with whoever is there.

• adjective not formal “conservative people unaccustomed to informal dress” “an informal free-and-easy manner” “an informal gathering of friends” synonyms: casual , daily , everyday appropriate for ordinary or routine occasions casual , free-and-easy natural and unstudied folksy very informal and familiar unceremonial , unceremonious without ceremony or formality see more see less antonyms: formal being in accord with established forms and conventions and requirements (as e.g. of formal dress) conventional following accepted customs and proprieties ceremonial marked by pomp or ceremony or formality ceremonious , conventional rigidly formal or bound by convention dress , full-dress (of an occasion) requiring formal clothes form-only being a matter of form only; lacking substance dress , full-dress suitable for formal occasions nominal , titular existing in name only positive , prescribed formally laid down or imposed perfunctory , pro forma as a formality only black-tie , semi-formal , semiformal moderately formal; requiring a dinner jacket buckram , starchy , stiff rigidly formal white-tie requiring white ties and tailcoats for men formal (of spoken and written language) adhering to traditional standards of correctness and without casual, contracted, and colloquial forms show more antonyms...
• adjective having or fostering a warm or friendly and informal atmosphere “a relaxed informal manner” synonyms: cozy , intimate friendly characteristic of or befitting a friend
• adjective not officially recognized or controlled “an informal agreement” synonyms: loose unofficial not having official authority or sanction
• adjective used of spoken and written language synonyms: colloquial , conversational characteristic of informal spoken language or conversation common , vernacular , vulgar being or characteristic of or appropriate to everyday language epistolary , epistolatory written in the form of or carried on by letters or correspondence slangy constituting or expressed in slang or given to the use of slang subliterary not written as or intended to be literature nonliterary , unliterary marked by lack of affectation or pedantry unrhetorical not rhetorical see more see less antonyms: formal (of spoken and written language) adhering to traditional standards of correctness and without casual, contracted, and colloquial forms formal being in accord with established forms and conventions and requirements (as e.g. of formal dress) literary appropriate to literature rather than everyday speech or writing rhetorical given to rhetoric, emphasizing style at the expense of thought show more antonyms...

Vocabulary lists containing informal

To improve your fluency in English Language Arts and Reading (ELAR), learn this academic vocabulary list that includes words selected from the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) state standards.

If you want to be a grammar guru, it's imperative that you capitalize on this list. Learn about punctuation, parts of speech, types of sentences, and more. This list is sure to help you develop superlative knowledge of language and grammar. Period.

Whip your vocabulary into shape by practicing these words that contain the Latin root form , meaning "shape."

Sign up now (it’s free!)

Whether you’re a teacher or a learner, vocabulary.com can put you or your class on the path to systematic vocabulary improvement..

Find the synonyms or antonyms of a word

Synonyms for informal speech

Sorry, there is no synonym available for informal-speech .

However, these words or phrases may match your search:

• acknowledge information
• bad information
• be informed
• deliver a speech
• deliver speech
• delivered a speech
• delivered speech
• delivering a speech
• delivers a speech
• figure of speech
• figure speech
• flowery speech
• free speech
• freedom of speech
• gave speech
• hadst information
• have information
• Info Strada
• infomercial
• inform against
• informality
• information
• information highway
• information media
• information processing
• information retrieval
• information server
• information space
• information superhighway
• information technology
• informational
• infotainment
• keynote speech
• library and information services
• library and information studies
• made speechless
• make speechless
• misinformation
• National Information Infrastructure
• national information infrastructures
• native speech
• not informed
• pick up speed
• pretty speech
• quicken one's speed
• quicken one speed
• quickened ones speed
• quickened speed
• quickening one speed
• quickening ones speed
• quickens one speed
• reduce speed
• reinforcement
• speechlessness
• speechmaker
• speed of sound
• speed track
• speedwalking
• turn informer
• uninformative
• up to speed
• walking for speed
• was informed
• well-informed

• Skip to main content
• Keyboard shortcuts for audio player

2024 Election

Fact checking trump's claims during harris' acceptance speech.

Former President Donald Trump speaks at the U.S.-Mexico border Thursday near Sierra Vista, Ariz. Rebecca Noble/Getty Images hide caption

Former President Donald Trump told his followers on Truth Social on Wednesday that he would be posting throughout Kamala Harris' DNC speech, when she formally accepted the party's nomination for president.

Here are some of the issues Trump commented on while Harris spoke, with some quick fact-checking.

On abortion: "Everybody, Democrats, Republicans, Liberals, and Conservatives, wanted Roe v. Wade TERMINATED , and brought back to the States."

False:  According to a Gallup poll from June 2023 , one year after Roe v. Wade was overturned, 61% of respondents said overturning Roe  was a "bad thing," while 38% said it was a "good thing."

Additionally, an NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll  from earlier this year showed that most Americans believe criminalizing abortion is wrong.

162 lies and distortions in a news conference. NPR fact-checks former President Trump

On immigration:  "She just called to give all Illegals CITIZENSHIP , SAY GOODBYE TO THE U.S.A.! SHE IS A RADICAL MARXIST!"

False:  During her acceptance speech tonight, Harris said she would support a bipartisan border bill on immigration. There is nothing in the text of the bill that would give all undocumented immigrants automatic American citizenship.

Additionally, while Harris mentioned that pathways to citizenship should exist, this does not equate to automatic citizenship for those in the country illegally.

On his legal troubles:  " These Prosecutions were all started by her and Biden against their Political Opponent, ME!"

False: The White House has nothing to do with the cases brought against former President Trump, whose four current criminal cases were brought against him by the New York state court, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, the Georgia state court and the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, respectively.

• election 2024
• From Live Coverage
• Donald Trump

Advertisement

Supported by

Harris’s Convention Speech Seen by 29 Million, a Narrow Win Over Trump’s

Overall, TV viewership of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago was up 14 percent from the Republicans’ event last month.

• Share full article

By Michael M. Grynbaum

Maybe it was curiosity about the untested candidate who took command of the ticket at the last minute, or the cameos by TV-ready celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Mindy Kaling and Kerry Washington. The runaway (and ultimately misguided) speculation that Beyoncé might make an appearance certainly did not hurt.

Whatever the reason, Democrats notched a victory this week in one of the year’s biggest media bouts: Which party’s political convention would attract more viewers?

The four-day celebration in Chicago of Vice President Kamala Harris was watched on TV by an average of 21.8 million viewers across four nights, Nielsen said on Friday. That was 14 percent more than the Republicans’ jamboree last month in Milwaukee, a four-day tribute to former President Donald J. Trump.

The gap between the conventions, however, narrowed on the final day, when the presidential nominees delivered their climactic remarks. On Thursday, the night of Ms. Harris’s acceptance speech, 26.2 million people tuned in. On the evening in July when Mr. Trump spoke, in his first extensive address since surviving an assassination attempt, 25.4 million watched — a difference of only 3 percent.

On its own, Ms. Harris’s 40-minute speech averaged 28.9 million TV viewers, according to Nielsen. The audience for Mr. Trump’s 92-minute address last month fell short of that figure, peaking early at 28.4 million viewers and then dwindling as the former president spoke long into the night.

Live TV ratings are a useful metric of the nation’s attention economy, but they are not all-encompassing. The Nielsen data did not capture viewers who streamed the conventions on their phones or laptops. Democrats, in particular, encouraged podcasters and social media influencers to post short videos from Chicago in the hopes of reaching voters who do not watch traditional TV.

This year’s convention ratings also underscored the continuing flight toward partisanship in television news.

Just as Fox News crushed its network rivals in the ratings race during the Republican convention — beating MSNBC and CNN combined — the Democratic convention had one clear winner: MSNBC. The cable home of Rachel Maddow and Joy Reid, which has a fervent liberal fan base, beat every network (including ABC, CBS, and NBC) in total convention viewership.

This year marked MSNBC’s largest audience for a Democratic convention since the network’s founding in 1996, a milestone achieved despite the cord-cutting that has drastically reduced the number of people who subscribe to cable in the first place.

CNN has endured a tough stretch in the ratings, but its Democratic convention coverage attracted more viewers in the most coveted demographic — adults 25 to 54 years old — than any other network. (MSNBC fell just short, losing to CNN in the category by a margin of roughly 1 percent.)

CNN’s new leadership is trying to appeal to more casual, and less partisan, consumers of news. It has already played a central role in this year’s campaign: It was CNN’s presidential debate in June that set off the head-spinning series of events that led to Ms. Harris’s prime-time speech on Thursday.

Michael M. Grynbaum writes about the intersection of media, politics and culture. He has been a media correspondent at The Times since 2016. More about Michael M. Grynbaum

'Do something': Michelle Obama throws her support behind Kamala Harris at 2024 DNC: Watch

Former first lady of the United States Michelle Obama praised Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris in the penultimate speech of the second night of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago Tuesday.

Obama spoke to the change in tenor in the presidential race after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race, calling it the, "contagious power of hope."

Obama took both direct and indirect swipes at Republican nominee former President Donald Trump throughout the speech, pointing to Trump's birtherism and failures during the COVID 19 pandemic. "If we bankrupt a business or choke in a crisis we don't get a second chance," Obama said.

The speech took a considerably more direct tone for the first lady, who once famously uttered the phrase, " when they go low, we go high ." "Who is going to tell him the job he is currently seeking might be one of those 'Black jobs,'" Obama said.

The former first lady argued that Harris is one of the most qualified people to seek the office and connected the experience of Harris' mother to her own, who died in May .

Obama sought to energize fence straddling Democrats to turn out in November in the speech, turning the phrase, "do something" into a call and response chant.

Watch Michelle Obama's full speech

Michelle Obama at the DNC

• Who she is : Former first lady of the United States
• What role she plays : Convention speaker
• Key quote : "She is the most dignified (candidate). That is a tribute to her mother, my mother and your mother too."

Democratic convention live updates: Barack Obama, Michelle Obama set to take the stage

When and where is the 2024 DNC?

The Democratic National Convention will take place from August 19-22 in Chicago, Illinois.

The United Center, home of the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks, will be the  main venue  for the DNC.

Chicago has hosted the Democratic Convention 11 times, most recently in 1996 when the United Center saw President Bill Clinton was nominated for a second time.

How to watch and stream the 2024 DNC

USA TODAY will provide livestream coverage on YouTube  each night of the DNC, Monday through Thursday.

The convention will  air live on its website , from the United Center in Chicago between 6:15 p.m. and 11 p.m. Eastern (5:15 p.m. to 10 p.m Central) on Monday, and 7 p.m to 11 p.m. Eastern (6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Central) the other days.

What are the themes for each night of the DNC?

The DNC announced nightly themes for the convention. The title of the convention is "For the People, For Our Future."

Here are the themes for each night:

• Monday:  "For the People"
• Tuesday:  "A Bold Vision for America's Future"
• Wednesday:  "A Fight for our Freedoms"
• Thursday:  "For our Future"

• Cambridge Dictionary +Plus

Synonyms and antonyms of informal in English

Word of the Day

bank holiday

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 audio

an official holiday when banks and most businesses are closed for a day

Trial, judge, and jury: talking about what happens when a criminal is caught

Learn more with +Plus

• Recent and Recommended {{#preferredDictionaries}} {{name}} {{/preferredDictionaries}}
• Definitions Clear explanations of natural written and spoken English English Learner’s Dictionary Essential British English Essential American English
• Grammar and thesaurus Usage explanations of natural written and spoken English Grammar Thesaurus
• Pronunciation British and American pronunciations with audio English Pronunciation
• English–Chinese (Simplified) Chinese (Simplified)–English
• English–Chinese (Traditional) Chinese (Traditional)–English
• English–Dutch Dutch–English
• English–French French–English
• English–German German–English
• English–Indonesian Indonesian–English
• English–Italian Italian–English
• English–Japanese Japanese–English
• English–Norwegian Norwegian–English
• English–Polish Polish–English
• English–Portuguese Portuguese–English
• English–Spanish Spanish–English
• English–Swedish Swedish–English
• Dictionary +Plus Word Lists

To add ${headword} to a word list please sign up or log in.

Add ${headword} to one of your lists below, or create a new one.

{{message}}

Something went wrong.

There was a problem sending your report.

• Help Center

Synonyms for Informal

1 485 other terms for informal - words and phrases with similar meaning.