Speak and talk

Speak refers to someone saying something, talk specifically refers to informing someone
about something, conversing or expressing one’s ideas to someone else. ‘Talk’ can also be
used as a noun and it means a conversation or discussion.

 The teacher asked the students not to talk.

 My mother had a serious talk with my brother.
 It’s essential to speak the truth in court.
 Nalini speaks English.
 We talk to each other everyday

Speak and talk: uses

The verbs speak and talk both generally mean ‘say words’, but there are some small
differences in how they are used. Speak is more formal than talk.
Compare

Formal. It is possible that:

I need to speak to 1. – the speaker does not know you very well.
you.
2. – this is in a formal setting, such as work.
3. – what the person has to say is important/serious.

Informal. It is possible that:

I need to talk to 1. – the speaker is your friend.
you.
2. – the speaker is someone you don’t know very well, but what
they have to say is informal.

We usually use speak for more formal presentations and lectures, and talk for more
informal ones:
Dr Graham Foster will speak about the history of the region.
Kyle is going to talk us through the benefits of the software and then Liz will talk about the
marketing plan.
When we refer to languages, we use speak:
How many languages do you speak?
Not: How many languages do you talk?
I wish I could speak Italian.
Not: … talk Italian.
Speak usually only focuses on the person who is producing the words.

 He spoke about the importance of taking exercise and having a good diet.
Talk focuses on a speaker and at least one listener, and can mean 'have a conversation'.

 I hope I can meet you to talk about my plans for the company.
 Not: I hope I can meet you to speak about my plans …
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