Meaning
To deliver a formal talk to an audience.
Cultural Background
Speeches are very common at high school graduations and weddings. The 'Best Man' speech is a traditional requirement at weddings. Public speaking is often formal and follows strict etiquette.
Practice
Always practice your speech out loud before the event.
Don't say 'say'
Never say 'say a speech'. It is always 'give' or 'deliver'.
Meaning
To deliver a formal talk to an audience.
Practice
Always practice your speech out loud before the event.
Don't say 'say'
Never say 'say a speech'. It is always 'give' or 'deliver'.
Use 'deliver'
If you want to sound very professional, use 'deliver a speech'.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct verb.
I need to _____ a speech at the wedding.
We always 'give a speech'.
Fill in the blank.
The mayor _____ a speech yesterday.
The past tense of 'give' is 'gave'.
Match the verb to the noun.
Match 'give' with its common collocation.
'Give a speech' is a standard collocation.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Are you nervous? B: Yes, I have to _____ a speech soon.
Standard collocation.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesI need to _____ a speech at the wedding.
We always 'give a speech'.
The mayor _____ a speech yesterday.
The past tense of 'give' is 'gave'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
'Give a speech' is a standard collocation.
A: Are you nervous? B: Yes, I have to _____ a speech soon.
Standard collocation.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsYes, it is very common.
Yes, it is standard for formal events.
The past tense is 'gave a speech'.
No, that is too formal.
No, a lecture is for teaching.
Yes, always use 'a' or 'the'.
Yes, often in meetings.
Give (rhymes with live) a speech (long ee).
Related Phrases
Make a speech
synonymTo give a speech.
Deliver a speech
synonymTo give a speech formally.
Public speaking
builds onThe skill of giving speeches.
