Message vs. Speech — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 25, 2024
A message is a piece of communicated information, often concise, while a speech is a formal address or discourse delivered to an audience.
Difference Between Message and Speech
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A message encompasses any form of communicated information, intended to be conveyed from one party to another. It can be delivered through various mediums, such as text, voice, or digital formats, and is often concise and focused on a specific piece of information or instruction. On the other hand, a speech is a structured form of verbal communication, usually delivered by a single individual to an audience, with the purpose of informing, persuading, or entertaining. Speeches are characterized by their formal nature and the speaker's intent to communicate a comprehensive and cohesive set of ideas over a period of time.
Messages are versatile in nature, used in both personal and professional contexts, and can vary greatly in length and formality. They are tailored to the medium of delivery whether it be a text message, an email, a note, or a quick verbal reminder and the immediacy of the information or response required. Speeches, however, are primarily oral presentations, often prepared in advance, and delivered in settings ranging from ceremonial to educational and political. The preparation and delivery of a speech typically involve a detailed organization of content, including an introduction, body, and conclusion, aimed at achieving a specific reaction or understanding from the audience.
The content of a message is usually straightforward and directed towards achieving a quick understanding or action from the recipient. It may include instructions, notifications, advice, or emotional expressions. In contrast, the content of a speech is more complex and nuanced, designed to delve deeply into a topic, explore various perspectives, and engage the audience's thoughts and feelings on a broader scale. Speeches often include storytelling, factual data, persuasive elements, and rhetorical devices to enhance the speaker's impact and message delivery.
In terms of impact and purpose, messages are essential for the immediate or practical exchange of information, playing a crucial role in daily communications, task coordination, and relationship maintenance. Speeches, however, have the potential to leave a lasting impact on the audience, influencing opinions, encouraging action, or imparting knowledge. The effectiveness of a speech is measured by its ability to resonate with the audience, inspire change, or reinforce shared beliefs and values.
While both messages and speeches are fundamental to human communication, their differences lie in their scope, delivery, and objectives. Messages facilitate everyday interactions and information sharing, serving as the building blocks of communication. Speeches, by their nature, are more formal and elaborate, crafted to capture attention, convey in-depth insights, and occasionally, to move hearts and minds on a grander scale.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A piece of communicated information, often concise.
A formal address or discourse delivered to an audience.
Medium
Text, voice, digital formats, etc.
Primarily oral, sometimes supported by visual aids.
Context
Personal and professional communication.
Ceremonial, educational, political settings.
Purpose
Convey specific information or instructions.
Inform, persuade, entertain, or inspire an audience.
Content
Straightforward, aiming for quick understanding or action.
Complex and nuanced, exploring a topic in depth.
Compare with Definitions
Message
Flexible Mediums.
Messages can be sent through emails, texts, voice recordings, or even face-to-face.
Speech
Preparation and Structure.
Effective speeches are carefully prepared with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
Message
Immediate Purpose.
The aim of a message is often to prompt a quick response or action from the recipient.
Speech
Lasting Impact.
The goal of a speech is to leave a memorable impression, inspiring thought or action.
Message
Everyday Use.
Messages are integral to daily communication, from professional emails to personal texts.
Speech
Formal Address.
A speech is a structured presentation, aiming to inform or persuade an audience.
Message
Simple Content.
Messages typically contain instructions, notifications, or brief updates.
Speech
In-depth Exploration.
A speech explores topics comprehensively, using stories, data, and rhetorical devices.
Message
A statement made or read before a gathering
A retiring coach's farewell message.
Speech
Oral Delivery.
Speeches are primarily delivered verbally, often at public or formal events.
Message
Concise Communication.
A message conveys essential information quickly, like a reminder or update.
Speech
Speech is human vocal communication using language. Each language uses phonetic combinations of vowel and consonant sounds that form the sound of its words (that is, all English words sound different from all French words, even if they are the same word, e.g., "role" or "hotel"), and using those words in their semantic character as words in the lexicon of a language according to the syntactic constraints that govern lexical words' function in a sentence.
Message
A message is a discrete unit of communication intended by the source for consumption by some recipient or group of recipients. A message may be delivered by various means, including courier, telegraphy, carrier pigeon and electronic bus.
Speech
The expression of or the ability to express thoughts and feelings by articulate sounds
He was born deaf and without the power of speech
Message
A verbal, written, or recorded communication sent to or left for a recipient who cannot be contacted directly
If I'm not there leave a message on the answerphone
Speech
A formal address or discourse delivered to an audience
He gave a speech about the company
Message
A significant political, social, or moral point that is being conveyed by a film, speech, etc.
A campaign to get the message about home security across
Speech
The faculty or act of speaking.
Message
An errand
He would run those interminable messages after school to the bookie
Speech
The faculty or act of expressing or describing thoughts, feelings, or perceptions by the articulation of words.
Message
Send a message to (someone), especially by email
I was messaged by a Californian contact for some information
The software package incorporates messaging, scheduling, and workflow functions
Speech
What is spoken or expressed, as in conversation; uttered or written words
Seditious speech.
Message
A usually short communication transmitted by words, signals, or other means from one person, station, or group to another
I found the message you left at my desk. She sent me a quick message by email.
Speech
A talk or public address, or a written copy of this
The senator gave a speech.
Message
The substance of such a communication; the point or points conveyed
Gestured to a waiter, who got the message and brought the bill.
Speech
The language or dialect of a nation or region
American speech.
Message
A basic thesis or lesson; a moral
A play with a message.
Speech
One's manner or style of speaking
The mayor's mumbling speech.
Message
To send a message to.
Speech
The study of oral communication, speech sounds, and vocal physiology.
Message
To send as a message
Messaged the report by cable.
Speech
(uncountable) The ability to speak; the faculty of uttering words or articulate sounds and vocalizations to communicate.
He had a bad speech impediment.
After the accident she lost her speech.
Message
To send a message; communicate.
Speech
(uncountable) The act of speaking, a certain style of it.
Her speech was soft and lilting.
Message
A communication, or what is communicated; any concept or information conveyed.
We've just received an urgent message from the President.
Speech
(countable) A formal session of speaking, especially a long oral message given publicly by one person.
The candidate made some ambitious promises in his campaign speech.
Message
An underlying theme or conclusion to be drawn from something.
The main message of the novel is that time heals all wounds.
Speech
(countable) A dialect, vernacular, or (dated) a language.
Message
An errand.
Speech
(uncountable) Language used orally, rather than in writing.
This word is mostly used in speech.
Message
See groceries, shopping.
Speech
(grammar) An utterance that is quoted; see direct speech, reported speech
Message
To send a message to; to transmit a message to, e.g. as text via a cell phone.
Just message me for directions.
I messaged her about the concert.
Speech
(uncountable) Public talk, news, gossip, rumour.
Message
To send (something) as a message; usually refers to electronic messaging.
She messaged me the information yesterday.
Please message the final report by fax.
Speech
To make a speech; to harangue.
Message
(intransitive) To send a message or messages; to be capable of sending messages.
We've implemented a new messaging service.
The runaway computer program was messaging non-stop.
Speech
The faculty of uttering articulate sounds or words; the faculty of expressing thoughts by words or articulate sounds; the power of speaking.
There is none comparable to the variety of instructive expressions by speech, wherewith man alone is endowed for the communication of his thoughts.
Message
(obsolete) To bear as a message.
Speech
He act of speaking; that which is spoken; words, as expressing ideas; language; conversation.
O goode God! how gentle and how kindYe seemed by your speech and your visageThe day that maked was our marriage.
The acts of God . . . to human earsCan nort without process of speech be told.
Message
Any notice, word, or communication, written or verbal, sent from one person to another.
Ehud said, I have a message from God unto thee.
Speech
A particular language, as distinct from others; a tongue; a dialect.
People of a strange speech and of an hard language.
Message
Hence, specifically, an official communication, not made in person, but delivered by a messenger; as, the President's message.
Speech
Talk; mention; common saying.
The duke . . . did of me demandWhat was the speech among the LondonersConcerning the French journey.
Message
A messenger.
Speech
Formal discourse in public; oration; harangue.
The constant design of these orators, in all their speeches, was to drive some one particular point.
Message
To bear as a message.
Speech
Ny declaration of thoughts.
I. with leave of speech implored, . . . replied.
Message
A communication (usually brief) that is written or spoken or signaled;
He sent a three-word message
Speech
To make a speech; to harangue.
Message
What a communication that is about something is about
Speech
The act of delivering a formal spoken communication to an audience;
He listened to an address on minor Roman poets
Message
Send a message to;
She messaged the committee
Speech
(language) communication by word of mouth;
His speech was garbled
He uttered harsh language
He recorded the spoken language of the streets
Message
Send as a message;
She messaged the final report by fax
Speech
Something spoken;
He could hear them uttering merry speeches
Message
Send a message;
There is no messaging service at this company
Speech
The exchange of spoken words;
They were perfectly comfortable together without speech
Speech
Your characteristic style or manner of expressing yourself orally;
His manner of speaking was quite abrupt
Her speech was barren of southernisms
I detected a slight accent in his speech
Speech
A lengthy rebuke;
A good lecture was my father's idea of discipline
The teacher gave him a talking to
Speech
Words making up the dialogue of a play;
The actor forgot his speech
Speech
The mental faculty or power of vocal communication;
Language sets homo sapiens apart from all other animals
Common Curiosities
Can messages be considered a form of speech?
While messages can be delivered orally, they are not considered formal speeches due to their brevity and the immediacy of their purpose.
How do speeches impact an audience compared to messages?
Speeches are designed to have a lasting impact, influencing thoughts or actions, whereas messages aim for quick communication and immediate responses.
Are there different types of speeches?
Yes, there are various types of speeches, including informative, persuasive, ceremonial, and motivational, each designed for specific purposes and audiences.
Can the effectiveness of a message or a speech be measured?
Yes, the effectiveness can be assessed through the recipient's understanding, response, or action in the case of messages, and through audience feedback, engagement, and impact for speeches.
What distinguishes a message from a speech?
A message is typically brief and focused on conveying specific information, while a speech is a formal, structured presentation aimed at informing or persuading an audience.
What role does audience play in determining the form of communication?
The audience's size, demographics, and expectations significantly influence whether a message or a speech is the appropriate form of communication.
In what contexts might someone prefer to send a message rather than give a speech?
Messages are preferred for everyday communication, quick updates, or when immediate action is needed, unlike speeches, which are suited for formal or public occasions.
How do professionals prepare for delivering effective speeches?
Professionals often engage in thorough research, organization of content, rehearsal, and sometimes training in public speaking and presentation skills.
How important is the delivery in a speech compared to the content of a message?
Delivery is crucial in a speech, as it affects the audience's engagement and reception, while the content's clarity and relevance are more critical in a message.
Can a speech contain multiple messages?
Yes, a speech can contain multiple messages, each contributing to the overall purpose and theme of the speech.
How do cultural differences affect the perception of messages and speeches?
Cultural norms and values can impact how messages and speeches are crafted, delivered, and received, with variations in formality, directness, and rhetorical styles.
Is it possible for a speech to be delivered without an audience present?
While speeches typically require an audience for immediate feedback, modern technology allows for speeches to be recorded and distributed for later viewing, altering traditional audience dynamics.
How do digital platforms influence the delivery of messages and speeches?
Digital platforms have expanded the reach and immediacy of messages and transformed the way speeches are delivered and accessed, through live streaming or recorded formats.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
