What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
oration
Example
The politician delivered an impressive oration at the convention. [oration: noun]
Example
She spent hours preparing her oration for the graduation ceremony. [oration: noun]
speech
Example
He gave a speech on climate change at the conference. [speech: noun]
Example
She is known for her persuasive speeches on social justice issues. [speeches: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Speech is more commonly used than oration in everyday language. Speech is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while oration is less common and refers to a more formal and ceremonial type of speech.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between oration and speech?
Oration is typically associated with a formal and ceremonial tone, while speech can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
