perform a speech

USAGE SUMMARY

"perform a speech" is correct and usable in written English.
For example, you could use it in a sentence like this: "We are looking for volunteers to perform a speech at our upcoming event."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

As we have seen, one can perform a speech act without uttering a performative.

SEP

That depends on whether I can perform a speech act without intending to do so a topic for Section 9 below.

SEP

Our discussion of the possibility of an illocutionary logic answers one question posed at the end of Section 6.3, namely whether it is possible to perform a speech act without intending to do so.

SEP

Just as one can, under appropriate conditions, perform a speech act by speaker meaning that one is doing so, so too one can, under the right conditions, retract that very speech act.

SEP

(It is nowadays common also to use 'illocute' as a verb meaning 'to perform a speech act.') Austin's reason for using 'force' begins with the observation that, construed as a bit of observable behavior, the communicative significance of an act may be underdetermined by what has been said or observably done.

SEP

Austin foresaw a program of research in which thousands of types of speech act would be studied in detail, with felicity conditions elucidated for each one.[7] As observed by Sbisà 2007, not only can I perform a speech act by speaker meaning that I am doing so, I can also subsequently rescind that act by speaker meaning that I take it back.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Thus, according to the Stoics, each time we say a complete sayable, we perform three different acts: we utter a linguistic expression; we say the sayable; and we perform a speech-act.

SEP

Further, since it is merely a type of sentence, one can utter a performative without performing a speech act.

SEP

He told me he performed a speech from Shakespeare's Henry V for a group of people who included Sir Alec Guinness.

The Guardian

His first experience with traditional theater came when he performed a speech from Pinter's play "The Caretaker" to win admission to the National Youth Theater, which eventually led him to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.

The New York Times

Typically, the speaker who makes an assertion has addressee-directed intentions in performing a speech act.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about formal events, consider using "perform a speech" to emphasize the prepared and delivered nature of the address.

Common error

Avoid using "perform a speech" in casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "give a speech" or "talk" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "perform a speech" functions as a verb phrase, where "perform" is the main verb and "a speech" is the direct object. It describes the action of delivering a speech in a structured and often formal manner. Ludwig confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "perform a speech" is a grammatically correct verb phrase indicating the delivery of a structured oration. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. While not as common as alternatives like "give a speech" or "deliver a speech", it adds a nuance of formality and preparation. Usage contexts range from scientific publications to news articles, suggesting a generally neutral to formal register. When writing, consider the context and desired tone to determine if "perform a speech" is the most appropriate choice. Remember that, while correct, avoiding it in very informal contexts is advisable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deliver a speech

A common and interchangeable alternative. Focus is on the act of speaking.

give a speech

A very common alternative, focusing on the act of presentation.

present a speech

Emphasizes the structured and formal nature of the speech.

recite a speech

Suggests memorization and formal delivery.

utter a speech

A more formal and less common way to describe speaking.

orator a speech

Implies the speaker is skilled and charismatic.

vocalize a speech

Focuses on the physical act of producing speech.

articulate a speech

Highlights clarity and precision in speaking.

render a speech

Suggests a more artistic or theatrical delivery.

act out a speech

Indicates a theatrical presentation, like acting.

FAQs

What does "perform a speech" mean?

The phrase "perform a speech" means to deliver a prepared oration, often in a formal setting. It implies a structured and purposeful presentation of ideas.

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

You can use alternatives like "deliver a speech", "give a speech", or "present a speech" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "performs a speech"?

Yes, "performs a speech" is the third-person singular present tense form. For example, "He performs a speech at every conference."

How does "perform a speech" differ from "give a speech"?

While similar, "perform a speech" suggests a more deliberate and possibly theatrical presentation than simply "give a speech". The word "perform" emphasizes the structured and presentational aspect.