A2noun1K

Speech

UK /["/spiːtʃ/"]/US /["/spiːtʃ/"]/

Definition

a formal talk that a person gives to an audience

In simple words: A talk or presentation given to an audience.

Examples

  • The teacher asked the students to give a speech about their favorite book.
  • In his speech, the president addressed the nation’s concerns.
  • She had a speech to deliver at the conference next week.
  • After her injury, she had difficulty with speech.
  • The scientist studied the speech patterns of different animals.
  • He practiced his speech several times before the big day.
  • Not everyone has the same talent for speech as a public speaker.
  • The baby started to imitate speech sounds before learning to talk.
  • Public speech can be intimidating for many people.

Usage notes

Use 'speech' in contexts involving public speaking, formal events, or presentations. Avoid using it in casual conversation unless referring to a specific talk.

Grammar pattern

give + speech

Memory hint

Think of 'speech' as a 'speech bubble' that shows what someone is saying.

Collocations

  • brief
  • little
  • short
  • deliver
  • give
  • make
  • writer
  • in a/​the speech
  • speech about
  • speech on
  • slurred
  • clipped
  • casual
  • pattern
  • style
  • defect
  • in speech
  • a figure of speech
  • freedom of speech
  • the power of speech
  • slurred
  • clipped
  • casual
  • pattern
  • style
  • defect
  • in speech
  • a figure of speech
  • freedom of speech
  • the power of speech
  • slurred
  • clipped
  • casual
  • pattern
  • style
  • defect
  • in speech
  • a figure of speech
  • freedom of speech
  • the power of speech

Synonyms

  • talk
  • address
  • presentation
  • lecture
  • oration

Antonyms

  • silence
  • quiet

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'speach' - the correct spelling is 'speech'.
  • Using 'speech' to describe a casual chat.
  • Mixing up 'speech' as a noun with 'speak' as a verb.