Elocution vs. Speech — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 30, 2023
Elocution is the art of clear, expressive speaking, while speech refers to the act or instance of delivering spoken words to an audience.
Difference Between Elocution and Speech
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Elocution focuses on pronunciation, tone, and delivery in speaking. Speech is the content or message conveyed through spoken words.
Elocution emphasizes the speaker's technique and effectiveness. Speech centers on what is being said and its impact.
Training in elocution improves public speaking skills. Crafting a speech involves composing the message to be delivered.
Elocution is about how words are spoken, including accent and articulation. Speech is about the words themselves, their meaning, and structure.
Elocution can enhance the impact of a speech. A well-written speech benefits from effective elocution.
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Comparison Chart
Focus
Speaking technique, articulation
Content, message conveyed
Emphasis
Pronunciation, tone, clarity
Ideas, arguments, information
Training
Enhances public speaking skills
Involves composition and organization
Core Element
How words are spoken
What is spoken
Contribution
Improves the delivery and impact of speaking
Provides information, persuades, informs
Compare with Definitions
Elocution
Mastery of voice and articulation.
His elocution made every speech captivating.
Speech
Communicating through spoken words.
Her speech at the conference was inspiring.
Elocution
Clarity in enunciating words.
His elocution lessons improved his pronunciation.
Speech
Delivering a message to an audience.
The keynote speech was the highlight of the event.
Elocution
Teaching effective speaking techniques.
She took elocution classes to enhance her public speaking.
Speech
The skill of effective speaking in public.
His speech showcased his oratory prowess.
Elocution
Skill in clear, expressive speech.
Her elocution impressed the audience.
Speech
Speech is human vocal communication using language. Each language uses phonetic combinations of vowel and consonant sounds that form the sound of its words (that is, all English words sound different from all French words, even if they are the same word, e.g., "role" or "hotel"), and using those words in their semantic character as words in the lexicon of a language according to the syntactic constraints that govern lexical words' function in a sentence.
Elocution
Conveying emotions through speech.
The actor's elocution brought the character to life.
Speech
The expression of or the ability to express thoughts and feelings by articulate sounds
He was born deaf and without the power of speech
Elocution
Elocution is the study of formal speaking in pronunciation, grammar, style, and tone as well as the idea and practice of effective speech and its forms. It stems from the idea that while communication is symbolic, sounds are final and compelling.
Speech
A formal address or discourse delivered to an audience
He gave a speech about the company
Elocution
The skill of clear and expressive speech, especially of distinct pronunciation and articulation
Lessons in singing and elocution
Speech
The faculty or act of speaking.
Elocution
The art of public speaking in which gesture, vocal production, and delivery are emphasized.
Speech
The faculty or act of expressing or describing thoughts, feelings, or perceptions by the articulation of words.
Elocution
A style or manner of speaking, especially in public.
Speech
What is spoken or expressed, as in conversation; uttered or written words
Seditious speech.
Elocution
The art of public speaking with expert control of gesture and voice, etc.
Speech
A talk or public address, or a written copy of this
The senator gave a speech.
Elocution
Utterance by speech.
[Fruit] whose taste . . . Gave elocution to the mute, and taughtThe tongue not made for speech to speak thy praise.
Speech
The language or dialect of a nation or region
American speech.
Elocution
Oratorical or expressive delivery, including the graces of intonation, gesture, etc.; style or manner of speaking or reading in public; as, clear, impressive elocution.
Speech
One's manner or style of speaking
The mayor's mumbling speech.
Elocution
Suitable and impressive writing or style; eloquent diction.
To express these thoughts with elocution.
Speech
The study of oral communication, speech sounds, and vocal physiology.
Elocution
An expert manner of speaking involving control of voice and gesture
Speech
(uncountable) The ability to speak; the faculty of uttering words or articulate sounds and vocalizations to communicate.
He had a bad speech impediment.
After the accident she lost her speech.
Speech
(uncountable) The act of speaking, a certain style of it.
Her speech was soft and lilting.
Speech
(countable) A formal session of speaking, especially a long oral message given publicly by one person.
The candidate made some ambitious promises in his campaign speech.
Speech
(countable) A dialect, vernacular, or (dated) a language.
Speech
(uncountable) Language used orally, rather than in writing.
This word is mostly used in speech.
Speech
(grammar) An utterance that is quoted; see direct speech, reported speech
Speech
(uncountable) Public talk, news, gossip, rumour.
Speech
To make a speech; to harangue.
Speech
The faculty of uttering articulate sounds or words; the faculty of expressing thoughts by words or articulate sounds; the power of speaking.
There is none comparable to the variety of instructive expressions by speech, wherewith man alone is endowed for the communication of his thoughts.
Speech
He act of speaking; that which is spoken; words, as expressing ideas; language; conversation.
O goode God! how gentle and how kindYe seemed by your speech and your visageThe day that maked was our marriage.
The acts of God . . . to human earsCan nort without process of speech be told.
Speech
A particular language, as distinct from others; a tongue; a dialect.
People of a strange speech and of an hard language.
Speech
Talk; mention; common saying.
The duke . . . did of me demandWhat was the speech among the LondonersConcerning the French journey.
Speech
Formal discourse in public; oration; harangue.
The constant design of these orators, in all their speeches, was to drive some one particular point.
Speech
Ny declaration of thoughts.
I. with leave of speech implored, . . . replied.
Speech
To make a speech; to harangue.
Speech
The act of delivering a formal spoken communication to an audience;
He listened to an address on minor Roman poets
Speech
(language) communication by word of mouth;
His speech was garbled
He uttered harsh language
He recorded the spoken language of the streets
Speech
Something spoken;
He could hear them uttering merry speeches
Speech
The exchange of spoken words;
They were perfectly comfortable together without speech
Speech
Your characteristic style or manner of expressing yourself orally;
His manner of speaking was quite abrupt
Her speech was barren of southernisms
I detected a slight accent in his speech
Speech
A lengthy rebuke;
A good lecture was my father's idea of discipline
The teacher gave him a talking to
Speech
Words making up the dialogue of a play;
The actor forgot his speech
Speech
The mental faculty or power of vocal communication;
Language sets homo sapiens apart from all other animals
Speech
A structured presentation to an audience.
The president delivered a powerful speech.
Speech
Expressing thoughts or feelings orally.
His speech expressed his gratitude.
Common Curiosities
What is the goal of elocution?
To enhance clarity and expressiveness in speaking.
What makes a good speech?
Clear message, organization, and engaging delivery.
What’s the difference between a speech and a presentation?
Speeches are often about persuasion, presentations may involve more visuals.
Do accents affect elocution?
Elocution can help manage accents for clearer communication.
Can a speech be informal?
Yes, speeches can range from formal to informal.
How do you practice elocution?
Through exercises focusing on pronunciation, tone, and pacing.
What are common elocution exercises?
Tongue twisters, reading aloud, and vocal drills.
How long should a speech be?
Depends on the context and audience's attention span.
Is elocution important for public speaking?
Yes, it improves the effectiveness of the speaker.
Does elocution help with stage fright?
Yes, confidence in speaking often reduces anxiety.
Can elocution help with speech impediments?
It can assist, but speech therapy is often more appropriate.
Can anyone learn elocution?
Yes, it can be learned and improved with practice.
Can anyone give a speech?
Yes, with preparation and understanding of the audience, anyone can give a speech.
Are pauses important in a speech?
Yes, they help emphasize points and give the audience time to absorb information.
How important is body language in a speech?
Very; it complements the spoken words and enhances the message.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
