Direct Speech

In direct speech, the precise words stated were repeated or quoted. We insert the words uttered between quote marks (“”) then leave them alone when we use direct speech in writing. We could be reporting something that is currently being said (for example, a phone conversation) and telling someone about a past conversation afterwards. Notice how speech marks (“…”) are used in direct speech to show exactly what was said. Speech marks are placed at the beginning and end of the actual words spoken. The words’ Evie said’ are not in speech marks since they were not spoken aloud; instead, they are a mechanism for the writer to communicate who was talking to the reader.

What is Direct Speech? 

You’ve reached the right place if you’re looking for a Direct Speech definition. Said, direct speech is a statement in which speech marks, quote marks, or inverted commas have been used to write the exact words uttered. Direct speech can be utilised in various written materials, particularly in stories, to help readers feel more engaged and understand better characters.

Direct Speech Examples

If you’re having trouble seeing how direct communication might function, here are some direct speech examples to assist you.

• “What are your plans for tomorrow?” Said Anisha.

• “Do you fancy going out for a meal?” Said Jennifer.

Direct Speech and Indirect Speech

While direct speech quotes the content and form of the words spoken, indirect speech claims to have been an accurate report of the content, content, and arrangement of the words spoken is far more flexible. It’s worth emphasising, though, that the question of whether or not a given speech report is truthful is a separate matter entirely. Both direct and indirect speaking are stylistic ways of delivering messages. The former pivots to a different deictic centre than that of the speech context of the report, as if the words being spoken are those of someone else. On the other hand, indirect speech has its deictic centre in the report situation and therefore is varied in terms of how much the linguistic form of what is being said is claimed.”

Direct Speech as Drama

It is feasible to include many aspects that dramatise how an utterance was created when a speaking event is recounted using direct speech forms. Verbs indicating the speaker’s way of expression (e.g. exclaim, gasp), voice quality (e.g.scream, whisper), and type of emotion can also be included in the quotative frame (e.g. laugh, sob). Adverbs could also be included (e.g., angrily.

Cautiously, quickly, slowly)

Explain Reported Speech? 

However, a writer may seek to convey the substance or meaning of a person’s actual words. This is where indirect discourse is proper. This is punctuated differently (none of the rules that apply to direct speaking apply — reported speech is punctuated like regular text), but the tense of verb forms can also alter. In reported speech tenses, pronouns and adverbial phrases frequently shift (sometimes not). Types of Reported Speech are:

Direct speech and Indirect speech. 

Indirect and Direct Speech Exercises

Riya asked me, ‘Did you see the football match last night?

• Riya asked me if I had seen the football match on TV the previous night. (Correct) 

• Riya asked me if I had seen the football match on TV the previous night.

Robin said to his father, ‘I am leaving for America tomorrow.’

• Robin told his father that he was leaving for America tomorrow.

• Robin told his father that he was leaving for America the next day. (correct) 

She said to him, ‘What a hot day!

• She exclaimed that it was a hot day. (correct) 

• She told him that it was a hot day.

Conclusion

Direct speech reflects what someone else has stated. You can quote from other texts in the same way by using inverted commas before and after the quotation. One should know the rules of writing a sentence in direct or indirect speech to avoid any mistake while writing or speaking.