Speaking vs. Conversing — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 2, 2024
Speaking generally refers to the act of talking or delivering information, often one-sided, while conversing implies a two-way interaction involving exchange of ideas or thoughts.
Difference Between Speaking and Conversing
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Speaking is primarily about vocal expression and can occur even if the speaker is the only one talking. Whereas, conversing inherently involves two or more people actively engaged in exchanging ideas.
In speaking, the focus is often on the delivery of information, such as in a lecture or a speech. On the other hand, conversing is about dialogue, where listening is as important as talking.
Speaking can be formal or informal and does not necessarily require active participation from the audience. In contrast, conversing is almost always interactive, requiring participation from all parties involved.
The skills required for effective speaking include clarity, articulation, and the ability to hold an audience's attention. Meanwhile, conversing demands empathy, listening skills, and a willingness to engage in back-and-forth communication.
While speaking can be a performance or presentation, conversing is a collaborative process that builds understanding and relationships between the participants.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
The act of talking or orating.
The act of exchanging thoughts interactively.
Interaction Level
Can be one-sided.
Always involves two-way interaction.
Formality
Can be either formal or informal.
Typically informal and interactive.
Skills Required
Clarity, articulation, audience engagement.
Empathy, listening, responsiveness.
Primary Focus
Delivery of information.
Exchange and development of ideas.
Compare with Definitions
Speaking
Can occur without immediate feedback.
He was speaking to an online audience via a live stream.
Conversing
Is informal and often spontaneous.
I bumped into an old friend and we spent an hour conversing.
Speaking
Involves expressing thoughts or information.
She's always clear and effective when speaking to her team.
Conversing
Builds relationships through dialogue.
They developed a strong bond by conversing daily.
Speaking
May include delivering speeches or lectures.
He enjoys speaking on historical topics at the community center.
Conversing
Requires at least two participants.
The guests were conversing animatedly at the party.
Speaking
Speaking involves verbally communicating information or ideas.
She was nervous about speaking in front of the large crowd.
Conversing
Conversing involves a mutual exchange of ideas.
They were conversing quietly in the corner of the room.
Speaking
Often used in the context of public or formal addresses.
The CEO is speaking at the annual conference.
Conversing
Demands active listening and responsiveness.
Good conversing skills are crucial for effective therapy sessions.
Speaking
Capable of speech.
Conversing
To engage in an exchange of thoughts and feelings by means of speech or sign language.
Speaking
Involving speaking or talking
Has a speaking part in the play.
Conversing
(Archaic) To interact socially with others; associate.
Speaking
Expressive or telling; eloquent.
Conversing
An interchange of thoughts and feelings by means of speech or sign language; conversation.
Speaking
True to life; lifelike
A speaking likeness.
Conversing
Social interaction.
Speaking
Used in speaking.
One's normal speaking voice
Conversing
Present participle of converse
Speaking
Expressive; eloquent.
The sight was more speaking than any speech could be.
Conversing
Conversation
Speaking
Involving speaking.
It was her first speaking part: she screamed.
Speaking
Having the ability of speech.
Speaking parrot; speaking clock
Speaking
(in compounds) Having competence in a language.
The English-speaking gentleman gave us directions; I travel in Russian-speaking countries; the French-speaking world listened in to the broadcast
Speaking
One's ability to communicate vocally in a given language.
I can read and understand most texts in German, but my speaking is awful.
Speaking
The act of communicating vocally.
Speaking
An oral recitation of e.g. a story.
Speaking
Present participle of speak
Speaking
(telephone) Indication that the person requested is the same as the one who is currently speaking.
Speaking
Uttering speech; used for conveying speech; as, man is a speaking animal; a speaking tube.
Speaking
Seeming to be capable of speech; hence, lifelike; as, a speaking likeness.
Speaking
The act of uttering words.
Speaking
Public declamation; oratory.
Speaking
The utterance of intelligible speech
Speaking
Delivering an address to a public audience;
People came to see the candidates and hear the speechmaking
Speaking
Capable of or involving speech or speaking;
Human beings--the speaking animals
A speaking part in the play
Speaking
Capable of speech;
The speaking animal
Common Curiosities
How can one improve their speaking skills?
Improving speaking skills can involve practicing speech delivery, enhancing vocabulary, and learning to maintain audience engagement.
What is the main difference between speaking and conversing?
Speaking is often a one-sided act of communicating, while conversing involves a two-way exchange.
Is speaking more formal than conversing?
Typically, speaking can be more formal, especially in settings like lectures or speeches, whereas conversing is generally more informal.
What are some examples where speaking does not involve conversing?
Examples include giving a monologue, delivering a lecture, or recording a speech for a broadcast.
Is it possible to converse through written communication?
Yes, conversing can occur through written communication such as emails or chat messages, as long as there is a two-way exchange.
Which is more common in professional settings, speaking or conversing?
Both are common, but the context dictates the preference; meetings involve conversing, while presentations involve speaking.
Can speaking be part of conversing?
Yes, speaking is a component of conversing, but conversing also requires listening and responding.
Do you need special skills to converse effectively?
Effective conversing requires skills like active listening, empathy, and the ability to respond appropriately.
How does conversing help in personal relationships?
Conversing helps build and strengthen personal relationships through regular, meaningful exchanges.
What role does body language play in speaking and conversing?
Body language is important in both, enhancing the speaker's message and showing engagement and responsiveness in conversing.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
