* No direct evidence: We don't have recordings or written records from that time period.
* Evolution of language: Language is a complex skill that likely developed gradually over thousands of years. It's hard to pinpoint exactly when "speech" as we know it emerged.
* Early human communication: Early humans likely used a combination of gestures, facial expressions, and sounds to communicate. These might have included grunts, cries, and simple calls, but not necessarily the complex grammatical structure of modern languages.
What we DO know:
* Human brains: The parts of the brain responsible for language are present in both modern humans and our ancestors.
* Tool use: Early humans used tools, which suggests some degree of planning and communication.
* Social interaction: Early humans lived in groups, which required some form of communication.
Conclusion:
While we can't be certain about the exact nature of early human communication, it's highly likely they used some form of vocalization and gesture to interact. The development of language as we know it was a gradual process, and it's impossible to say for sure when "speech" in the modern sense first appeared.