delivers a speech

USAGE SUMMARY

'delivers a speech' is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It can be used when describing a person presenting their thoughts or ideas to a group of people. For example, "The mayor delivered a speech to the graduating class of 2020".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

12.20pm: Jo Swinson, the new consumer affairs minister, delivers a speech.

The Guardian

Danny Alexander delivers a speech promising a major crackdown on tax-dodgers.

The Guardian

Campaign trail roundup: * Hillary Rodham Clinton delivers a speech about her Iraq policy in Washington.

The New York Times

12.20pm: Danny Alexander, the chief secretary to the Treasury, delivers a speech.

The Guardian

Just before Victor Frankenstein dies, he delivers a speech to Captain Walton's sailors.

The New Yorker

9.10am: Paul Kenny, the GMB general secretary, delivers a speech on behalf of the TUC.

The Guardian

Wearing the Nazi minister's uniform, Geduldig tricks Hitler and delivers a speech at a party rally in Nuremberg.

The New York Times

* John McCain delivers a speech at Mississippi State University and takes part in a community-service event in Meridian, Miss.

The New York Times

By Jeff Shesol June 8, 2016 Donald Trump, reading from a telepromper, delivers a speech following Tuesday's primaries.

The New Yorker

Whenever McAvoy delivers a speech or slices up a right-winger, the ensemble beams at him, their eyes glowing as if they were cultists.

The New Yorker

By Dexter Filkins March 31, 2016 President Erdoğan, of Turkey, delivers a speech at the Andrew Mellon Auditorium, in Washington, on Wednesday.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about someone "delivering a speech", consider specifying the topic or purpose of the speech to provide more context for your reader.

Common error

Avoid using "delivers a speech" when a more specific verb related to speaking would be more appropriate. For example, instead of "He delivers a speech about his childhood", consider "He recounts his childhood" or "He narrates his childhood experiences".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "delivers a speech" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of formally presenting a prepared talk to an audience. As Ludwig confirms, this construction is grammatically correct. The examples show a wide array of individuals, from politicians to fictional characters, engaging in this act.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "delivers a speech" is a grammatically correct and very common way to describe the act of someone formally presenting a prepared talk. As Ludwig confirms, it's widely used in news, formal business settings, and wiki articles. While alternatives like "gives a presentation" or "makes an address" exist, the best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance. When using the phrase, consider providing details about the speech's topic or purpose to enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gives a presentation

Focuses on a more formal or structured oral communication.

addresses the audience

Highlights the act of speaking directly to an assembled group.

makes an address

Suggests a formal or official communication to an audience.

presents a lecture

Implies a more educational or instructional context.

holds a discourse

Emphasizes a formal and extended discussion or presentation.

offers remarks

Suggests a shorter, often less formal, presentation of thoughts.

reads a statement

Highlights the act of reciting a prepared written text.

orates before the crowd

Implies a more theatrical or impassioned style of speaking.

pronounces an oration

Indicates a formal, often ceremonial speech.

communicates verbally

Refers to any form of spoken communication, not necessarily a formal speech.

FAQs

How can I use "delivers a speech" in a sentence?

You can use "delivers a speech" to describe someone formally presenting their ideas or opinions. For example, "The president delivers a speech on economic policy annually".

What can I say instead of "delivers a speech"?

You can use alternatives like "gives a presentation", "makes an address", or "addresses the audience", depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "delivers a speech"?

While "speech" inherently implies delivery, using "delivers a speech" can emphasize the act of public speaking or the formal presentation. The necessity depends on context and desired emphasis.

What's the difference between "delivers a speech" and "gives a lecture"?

"Delivers a speech" is a general term for any formal oral presentation. "Gives a lecture" implies an educational context, where the speaker is imparting knowledge or information on a specific subject.