give a speech — speak publicly
collocationB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon
to stand in front of a group and talk about a topic, often for a special event or to share ideas.
Say it like a native
Textbook He will perform a speech at the ceremony.
Native He's giving a speech at the ceremony.
You GIVE a speech; 'perform/do a speech' is the wrong collocation.
Pattern: give a speech (about/on/to)
In use
- She was nervous before she had to give a speech at her graduation ceremony.communication
- In my opinion, learning how to give a speech is an important skill for both school and work, because it helps you communicate your ideas clearly.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ He said a speech to the guests.
✓ He gave a speech to the guests.
You GIVE or MAKE a speech — you don't 'say' one.
Common collocations
give a speech— make, deliver, at the wedding, about
Don't confuse it
Different from 'have a conversation', which is two-way; 'give a speech' is usually one person talking to a group.