Speaking:
* Focuses on the act of producing speech.
* Refers to the physical process of using your voice to communicate.
* Includes basic elements like pronunciation, articulation, and voice modulation.
Oral Skills:
* Encompasses a broader range of abilities beyond just speaking.
* Includes elements like listening, comprehension, fluency, presentation skills, public speaking, and even nonverbal communication.
* Focuses on the effective use of spoken language in various situations.
Think of it like this:
* Speaking is the engine of a car. It's the basic mechanism that gets the car moving.
* Oral skills are the driver. They are the knowledge, strategies, and abilities that help you navigate different situations with your spoken language effectively.
Here's a table summarizing the differences:
| Feature | Speaking | Oral Skills |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Physical act of speech production | Effective use of spoken language |
| Scope | Basic elements like pronunciation and articulation | Broad range of abilities including listening, fluency, and public speaking |
| Example | Being able to pronounce words correctly | Giving a compelling presentation |
In essence, speaking is a fundamental component of oral skills. You need to be able to speak clearly and articulately to develop strong oral skills.