the utterance of intelligible speech
"The teacher asked for quiet while everyone was listening to the guest speaker's introduction."
delivering an address to a public audience
"people came to see the candidates and hear the speechmaking"
One's ability to communicate vocally in a given language.
"Her speaking skills improved rapidly after she spent three months living in Japan."
In plain English: Speaking is the act of using your voice to say words aloud so others can hear you.
"Speaking in public was something she had practiced for years."
Usage: Use this noun form when referring specifically to one's vocal communication skills or fluency, such as having good speaking rather than just general conversational ability. It is often paired with adjectives like "eloquent" or verbs like "improve" and "practice."
present participle of speak
"The speaking event will start promptly at noon, so please arrive early to find a seat."
In plain English: Speaking means using your voice to say words so other people can hear and understand you.
"She is speaking very quickly today."
capable of or involving speech or speaking
"human beings--the speaking animals"
"a speaking part in the play"
Used in speaking.
"He is an expert on linguistics, but he has no experience teaching children how to read while they are still learning to speak."
In plain English: Speaking describes something that is said aloud rather than written down.
"The speaking voice of the actor was very warm and inviting."
Indication that the person requested is the same as the one who is currently speaking.
"The manager nodded in agreement while speaking, confirming he was indeed the one addressing the team about the new schedule."
The word "speaking" comes from the Middle English verb speak, which traces its roots back to Proto-Germanic. It entered modern usage as the present participle of that ancient root, essentially meaning "the act of speaking."