SpeakUp

Grammar fix

give a speech

speak publicly

to stand in front of a group and talk about a topic, often for a special event or to share ideas.

collocationB1common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • 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

Fix the pattern

Pattern: give a speech (about/on/to)

WrongHe said a speech to the guests.

RightHe gave a speech to the guests.

You GIVE or MAKE a speech — you don't 'say' one.

Patterngive a speech (about/on/to)

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff He will perform a speech at the ceremony.

Natural He's giving a speech at the ceremony.

You GIVE a speech; 'perform/do a speech' is the wrong collocation.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • give a speech
    makedeliverat the weddingabout

Don't confuse it

Different from 'have a conversation', which is two-way; 'give a speech' is usually one person talking to a group.

Try it in Daily Speak →