speech /spiːtʃ/ noun FORMAL TALK 5. a formal talk given usually to a large number of people on a special occasion
I had to give/make a speech at my brother's wedding. He gave the after-dinner speech (= a talk given after a formal evening meal at which a large number of people are present) . Did you hear her acceptance speech at the Oscars ceremony? See also speak
speak /spiːk/ verb spoke , spoken SAY WORDS 1. [ I or T ] to say words, to use the voice, or to have a conversation with someone
Would you mind speaking more slowly, please? "Can I speak to / mainly US with Yulduz please?" "Speaking (= This is Yulduz) " If he tells Julie what I said, I'll never speak to him again. formal She spoke of her sadness over her father's death. She speaks very highly of (= says good things about) the new director. I can certainly come but I can't speak for my wife (= I can't tell you whether she can or not) . formal Who is going to speak for (= represent in a court of law) the accused? He's old enough to speak for him self (= to say what he thinks) . I went with Ava - speaking of (= on the subject of) Ava, have you seen her new haircut? We've been invited to Rachel and Jamie's wedding - speaking of which , did you know that they're moving to Ealing? Speaking as (= With my experience as) a mother of four, … Sue speaks with an American accent . Why are you speaking in a whisper (= very quietly) ? For five whole minutes, neither of them spoke a word (= they both said nothing) . 2. broadly/historically/strictly, etc. speaking talking from a particular point of view
Historically speaking, the island is of great interest. Generally speaking, it's quite a good school.
3. speak to sb
to tell someone that they have done something wrong
The manager promised that she would speak to the person responsible.