speech

A talk that someone gives to a group of people.

• She gave a short speech.
• We listened to three speeches yesterday.
• What will your speech be about?

How to use it: speech about something (She gave a speech about her travels.); speech to someone (His speech to the students lasted ten minutes.)

Similar words: talk, address

Common phrases: give a speech, make a speech, wedding speech, campaign speech

The ability to say words and communicate with your voice.

• The accident affected his speech.
• Her speech improved with regular practice.
• Some illnesses can cause a loss of speech.

Similar words: ability to speak

Common phrases: lose speech, speech therapy, speech development

Words and language used when people talk rather than write.

• This phrase is common in speech.
• Informal speech often includes shorter forms.
• The book compares speech and writing.

Similar words: spoken language

Opposites: writing

Common phrases: everyday speech, direct speech, informal speech