Speech Words

 Here are some words connected to speech:

Whisper = speak very softly
Mumble = speak softly and unclearly
Mention = bring up a topic 
Reply = answer
Enquire = ask
Stutter = speak nervously, repeating sounds (h-h-h-hello)
Stammer = speak nervously
Shout = speak loudly and angrily
Yell = shout
Cry (1) = speak while crying
Cry (2) = shout
Whine = complain in a sad voice
Inform = tell
Howl = cry out in pain
Explain = give details
Elaborate = explain in detail
Murmur = speak softly and unclearly
Sigh = breathe heavily to show disappointment
Report = explain something in a formal setting
Pray = speak to God
Announce = give information to many people
State = say something firmly
Declare = state
Roar = shout or speak loudly and fiercely
Promise = commit to doing something
Narrate = tell a story
Chant = speak in a rhythmic singing manner

Notes:

1 We can describe speech as direct speech or reported speech

- He said, “It's time to go”
- He said it was time to go.

> There are different patterns for direct speech:

- He said, “Ms. Andrews will be our new secretary.”
- “Ms. Andrews will be our new secretary,” he said.
- “Ms. Andrews,” he said, “will be our new secretary”



2 SAY doesn't take an object. TELL always takes an object:

- He said, “Hi”
- He told me about the chair.

Wrong: He said me, “Hi.”
Wrong: He told about the chair.

3 Many learners pronounce the words 'said' and 'says' incorrectly:

- 'Say' sounds like 'day'
- 'Says' sounds like 'fez'.
- 'Said' sounds like 'red'