Speech vs. Remark — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 4, 2024
A speech is a formal address or discourse delivered to an audience, whereas a remark is a brief comment or statement, often made in passing.
Difference Between Speech and Remark
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Speeches are structured and prepared presentations intended to inform, persuade, or entertain an audience, involving thorough preparation and often delivered on formal occasions. On the other hand, remarks can be spontaneous or offhand, not requiring the same level of preparation and are usually brief.
While a speech may last from several minutes to hours and is delivered in settings such as conferences, ceremonies, or public gatherings, remarks are typically short, made in both formal and informal contexts, and may not be the focal point of an event.
The purpose of a speech often revolves around sharing insights, arguing a position, or inspiring action, highlighting its role in communication as a tool for effecting change or conveying significant information. Remarks, however, are usually intended to provide quick observations, reactions, or additions to an ongoing discussion, without the intention of deep engagement or persuasion.
Speeches are characterized by their formal language, structured layout, and sometimes the use of visual aids to enhance the message being conveyed. In contrast, remarks are more likely to be informal, off-the-cuff, and lack any predefined structure, making them more flexible and diverse in nature.
Despite their differences, both speeches and remarks play crucial roles in communication, serving different purposes and contexts. A well-delivered speech can inspire and mobilize, while insightful remarks can spark dialogue or offer valuable perspectives in a more concise format.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A formal address or discourse delivered to an audience.
A brief comment or statement, often made in passing.
Preparation
Requires thorough preparation and organization.
Can be spontaneous or prepared, but usually brief.
Duration
Longer, ranging from a few minutes to several hours.
Short, often just a few sentences.
Context
Delivered in formal settings like conferences or ceremonies.
Made in both formal and informal contexts.
Purpose
To inform, persuade, or entertain.
To provide quick observations or reactions.
Structure
Has a formal structure and flow.
Typically lacks a predefined structure.
Language
Often formal and polished.
Can be informal and conversational.
Compare with Definitions
Speech
Formal Address.
The president gave a compelling speech on national security.
Remark
Brief Comment.
His remark on the report highlighted an overlooked detail.
Speech
Structured Delivery.
The keynote speech followed a clear outline, captivating the audience.
Remark
Conversation Starter.
Her remark on the artwork sparked an engaging discussion.
Speech
Public Speaking.
Delivering a speech at the graduation ceremony was a great honor.
Remark
Spontaneous.
Her spontaneous remark added humor to the meeting.
Speech
Persuasive Tool.
Her speech motivated many to volunteer for the cause.
Remark
Informal.
His remarks at the dinner table were always entertaining.
Speech
Visual Aids.
He used slides to enhance his speech on climate change.
Remark
Observational.
The CEO made a keen remark on market trends.
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.
Remark
To express briefly or casually as a comment
She remarked that he danced very well.
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
Remark
To take notice of something; observe
"She climbed the stone steps quickly, remarking the queer look of her blue silk skirt and blue shoes upon the stone" (Virginia Woolf).
Speech
A formal address or discourse delivered to an audience
He gave a speech about the company
Remark
An act of pointing out or noticing; notice or observation.
Speech
The faculty or act of speaking.
Remark
An expression, in speech or writing, of something remarked or noticed; a mention of something
Make a remark
Pass a remark
A biting remark
A funny remark
A spoken remark
Speech
The faculty or act of expressing or describing thoughts, feelings, or perceptions by the articulation of words.
Remark
A casual observation, comment, or statement
Speech
What is spoken or expressed, as in conversation; uttered or written words
Seditious speech.
Remark
(engraving) remarque
Speech
A talk or public address, or a written copy of this
The senator gave a speech.
Remark
Alternative spelling of re-mark
Speech
The language or dialect of a nation or region
American speech.
Remark
(transitive) To pay heed to; notice; to take notice of, to perceive.
Speech
One's manner or style of speaking
The mayor's mumbling speech.
Remark
To pass comment on (something); to indicate, point out.
Speech
The study of oral communication, speech sounds, and vocal physiology.
Remark
To mark (someone or something) out; to distinguish, to make notable.
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.
Remark
To express in words or writing; to state, as an observation.
He remarked that it was getting late.
Speech
(uncountable) The act of speaking, a certain style of it.
Her speech was soft and lilting.
Remark
(intransitive) To make a remark or remarks on, to comment on (something).
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.
Remark
Alternative spelling of re-mark
Speech
(countable) A dialect, vernacular, or (dated) a language.
Remark
To mark in a notable manner; to distinquish clearly; to make noticeable or conspicuous; to piont out.
Thou art a man remarked to taste a mischief.
His manacles remark him; there he sits.
Speech
(uncountable) Language used orally, rather than in writing.
This word is mostly used in speech.
Remark
To take notice of, or to observe, mentally; as, to remark the manner of a speaker.
Speech
(grammar) An utterance that is quoted; see direct speech, reported speech
Remark
To express in words or writing, as observed or noticed; to state; to say; - often with a substantive clause; as, he remarked that it was time to go.
Speech
(uncountable) Public talk, news, gossip, rumour.
Remark
To make a remark or remarks; to comment.
Speech
To make a speech; to harangue.
Remark
Act of remarking or attentively noticing; notice or observation.
The cause, though worth the search, may yet eludeConjecture and remark, however shrewd.
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.
Remark
The expression, in speech or writing, of something remarked or noticed; the mention of that which is worthy of attention or notice; hence, also, a casual observation, comment, or statement; as, a pertinent remark.
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.
Remark
A statement that expresses a personal opinion or belief;
From time to time she contributed a personal comment on his account
Speech
A particular language, as distinct from others; a tongue; a dialect.
People of a strange speech and of an hard language.
Remark
Explicit notice;
It passed without remark
Speech
Talk; mention; common saying.
The duke . . . did of me demandWhat was the speech among the LondonersConcerning the French journey.
Remark
Make mention of;
She observed that his presentation took up too much time
They noted that it was a fine day to go sailing
Speech
Formal discourse in public; oration; harangue.
The constant design of these orators, in all their speeches, was to drive some one particular point.
Remark
Make or write a comment on;
He commented the paper of his colleague
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
Common Curiosities
What is a speech?
A speech is a formal presentation or address delivered to an audience, intended to inform, persuade, or entertain.
What is a remark?
A remark is a brief comment or observation, often made in passing and without the formal structure of a speech.
How long is a typical speech?
Speeches vary in length but typically last from a few minutes to over an hour, depending on the context and purpose.
Can a remark be part of a speech?
Yes, speakers often include remarks within their speeches to provide observations or add personal comments.
What is the main difference between a speech and a remark?
The main difference lies in their length, structure, and formality, with speeches being more formal, structured, and longer.
Can anyone give a speech?
Yes, anyone can give a speech, although the effectiveness will depend on preparation, delivery, and audience engagement.
Where are speeches usually given?
Speeches are given in formal settings like conferences, ceremonies, and public events.
Can remarks be planned?
Yes, remarks can be planned or spontaneous, but they are generally brief and less formal than speeches.
How important is the audience in a speech?
The audience is crucial in a speech, as the content, tone, and delivery are often tailored to the audience's interests and needs.
Are there specific occasions for remarks?
Remarks can be made on any occasion, from formal events to casual conversations.
How do speakers prepare for a speech?
Preparation involves researching the topic, organizing ideas into a coherent structure, rehearsing, and sometimes preparing visual aids.
Do speeches always require visual aids?
No, not all speeches require visual aids, but they can enhance the delivery and audience understanding of complex topics.
Can remarks influence public opinion?
Yes, insightful or timely remarks can influence public opinion, especially if made by a prominent figure.
Is public speaking a skill that can be improved?
Yes, public speaking is a skill that can be significantly improved with practice and feedback.
Why are remarks important in communication?
Remarks can offer quick insights, lighten the mood, or provide valuable feedback, making them an essential part of interactive communication.
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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.
Co-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.
