give a speech vs hold a speech

Both 'give a speech' and 'hold a speech' are commonly used phrases in English, but 'give a speech' is more widely accepted and frequently used. 'Hold a speech' is less common and may sound awkward to native English speakers.

Last updated: April 05, 2024 • 2067 views

give a speech

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used when someone is delivering a speech to an audience.

Examples:

He will give a speech at the conference.
She gave a moving speech at the graduation ceremony.

Show examples from the web [+]

Sep 8, 2014 ... But a speech's length is only one factor you need to consider when you're preparing to give a speech at an event.
Jan 4, 2022 ... Attorney General Merrick Garland will give a speech Wednesday about the Justice Department's efforts to investigate and prosecute those ...
May 15, 2014 ... You can find a lot of advice out there on how to give a speech in front of a big audience, but how often do most of us do that?
Dec 28, 2021 ... ... ensure that you do not bomb this toast, it's this piece of wisdom from Smith: "Never drink alcohol before you give a speech," she says.
Sep 30, 2011 ... Eisenhower felt that the Soviet dictator's demise provided an opportunity to nip the Cold War in the bud. It prompted him to give a speech that ...
give a speech to · spout to ; pontificate · drone on to ; address · bespeak ; give a sermon to · speechify to ; sermonize to · refer.

Alternatives:

deliver a speech
make a speech
present a speech
offer a speech
speak to the audience

hold a speech

This phrase is less common but still correct in English.

This phrase can be used informally, but 'give a speech' is more widely accepted.

Examples:

He held a speech at the event.
She is planning to hold a speech at the meeting.

Show examples from the web [+]

I want to hold a speech.
At the House will you hold a speech on the subject?
Uberto Delprato, CEO of IES Solutions, will hold a speech at the Workshop, during the session on lessons learnt by EU projects, experiences with standardisation bodies and the possible pitfalls.
Our President Karsten will give a talk at a celebration in the Royal Library of The Hague/Netherlands and Reinhard Müller will hold a speech at FrOSCamp in Zurich titled "Free yourself - how to save the world in five easy steps".
During the event Sergio Romano, Ambassador and historian, will hold a speech about "Global Crisis Atlas".

Alternatives:

give a speech
deliver a speech
make a speech
present a speech
offer a speech

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