speaking

The word “speaking” means the act of talking or communicating with one's voice. In plain terms, the act of talking, or an adjective describing something vivid enough to seem like it's talking, or ability in a language.

“Speaking” is pronounced SPEE-kihng (/ˈspi.kɪŋ/ in IPA).

Here is “speaking” used in a sentence: “Public speaking is one of her greatest fears.”

The opposite of “speaking” — its antonyms — are unspeaking and nonspeaking.

Depending on how it is used, “speaking” can be a noun and an adjective.

“Speaking” is a very common word in modern English.

“Speaking” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the act of talking or communicating with one's voice.

Speaking and talking both mean using the voice, but speaking often suggests a more formal, deliberate, or one-directional act — addressing an audience, delivering words, or expressing something. Talking tends to be casual and two-way, the everyday back-and-forth of conversation. You give a speech by speaking, but you chat with a friend by talking.

Speaking is often grouped by purpose and setting. Public speaking addresses an audience, as in speeches or lectures; conversational speaking is informal exchange between people; and formal or professional speaking covers interviews, presentations, and debates. Educators also distinguish extempore, impromptu, and scripted speaking, depending on how much is prepared in advance.

Speaking is the primary way people share ideas, build relationships, and coordinate action in real time. Clear speaking helps you be understood, persuade others, and express needs and feelings. It underpins education, work, and social life, and strong speaking skills are consistently linked to confidence and success across almost every field.

Any time you use your voice to communicate, you are speaking — greeting a neighbor, answering a phone call, giving a class presentation, or reading a story aloud. A politician delivering a campaign address and a child asking a question are both examples, differing only in their setting and formality.