Hey there! This is TOP episode 157. 7 Expressions with SPEAK You Need to Know
My name’s Ola and I am an English teacher. I teach online during 1:1 and group classes. I believe you can eliminate your language blockade. The secret word here is consistency. There are other secret words too. That is why I record this podcast’s episodes, and each comes with a little worksheet, a one-pager to help you digest and test what you’ve practised here. You can speak English more confidently, slay that fear and enjoy easy communication.
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Hello hello! 7 highly useful, everyday expressions with the word ‘speak’.
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One
So to speak. It’s used to emphasize that you are expressing something in an unusual or humorous way. To call attention to a choice of words, and especially to the metaphoric nature of a word or phrase. For instance:
His wife sits on his head, so to speak.
He was right on the money, so to speak.
It was difficult to start that subject but she had to slay the dragon, so to speak.
Two
Speak for yourself. Used to tell somebody that a general statement they have just made is not true of you. To express one’s own opinion or point of view, especially in contrast to those of others. Used as an imperative when there is disagreement. Example a short dialogue and a sentence:
A: “We just love holiday.”
B: “Speak for yourself—I think it’s exhausting.”
Speaking for myself, I haven’t noticed the problems you’ve brought up.
Three
Speak for itself. To have a clear, self-explanatory meaning, value, or implication. It’s got an obvious meaning. For instance:
Her success as a writer speaks for itself.
The facts speak for themselves.
Their actions speak for themselves.
Four
Speak/talk of the devil. People say or speak or talk of the devil when somebody they have been talking about appears unexpectedly. An acknowledgement of a person who has arrived just as or after they were being discussed. It’s a shortening of the longer proverb “speak of the devil, and he shall appear.”) Listen to these examples:
Well, speak of the devil—here you are!
Well, speak of the devil! I was just telling them about something funny you said the other day.
Five
Speak volumes about or for somebody or something. To tell you a lot about something, without the need for words. To reveal or indicate a great deal about someone or something.
His achievement speaks volumes for his perseverance.
How you react to challenges speaks volumes about you.
He didn’t answer the question directly, but his facial expressions spoke volumes.
Six
Speaking of. This expression is used to introduce something new. It can be used with regards to the subject somebody just mentioned.
Speaking of expenses, have you paid utility bills?
Now, speaking of your career, would you like to lead the next project?
Seven
Speak up. This phrasal verb has two meanings. The first one: to speak loud enough to be heard.
What’s that you’re saying? Speak up!
Could you speak up, please? I didn’t quite catch you.
The second meaning of ‘speak up’ is to speak without fear or hesitation. To voice your opinion loudly, maybe even aggressively, or publicly.
If something is on your mind, speak up and let him know.
Don’t be bashful — speak up for yourself.
Bashful, by the way, means ‘shy’.
Here you have it! 7 expressions with ‘speak’ you need to know! Now, you’ve heard a lot, time to speak. So speak up, say the sentences out loud. Listen and repeat:
His wife sits on his head, so to speak.
He was right on the money, so to speak.
A: “We just love holiday.”
B: “Speak for yourself—I think it’s exhausting.”
The facts speak for themselves.
Well, speak of the devil—here you are!
How you react to challenges speaks volumes about you.
He didn’t answer the question directly, but his facial expressions spoke volumes.
Speaking of expenses, have you paid utility bills?
Could you speak up please? I didn’t quite catch you.
If something is on your mind, speak up and let him know.
Don’t be bashful — speak up for yourself.
You did it! An you’re one step closer to using the word ‘speak’ frealessly. Let’s recap today’s 7 expressions:
One
So to speak.
Speak for yourself.
Speak for itself.
Speak/talk of the devil.
Speak volumes about or for somebody or something.
Speaking of.
Speak up.
That’s it for today! Now go to your inbox and get the worksheet to test yourself. Translate the sentences into English. If you aren’t a member of TOPeople download the worksheet from teacherola.com/157.
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I’ll see you next Wednesday! We’ll be breaking down another song’s lyrics! Till then, happy learning. Take care! Stay fearless and say it out loud! Bye!