* Delivery: A speech is meant to be spoken aloud, engaging the audience with vocal inflections, gestures, and eye contact. An essay is written to be read silently and relies on strong writing style and structure.
* Audience Interaction: A speech often involves direct interaction with the audience, allowing for questions, feedback, and immediate reactions. An essay is a one-way communication, with the writer addressing the reader without direct engagement.
* Time Constraint: Speeches are usually delivered within a specific time limit, requiring careful pacing and concise wording. Essays can be longer and more detailed, allowing for extensive exploration of the topic.
* Purpose: While both speeches and essays can aim to inform, persuade, or entertain, speeches often have a more immediate purpose, like inspiring action or prompting a change in opinion. Essays are typically focused on conveying information or exploring a particular subject matter.
While both speeches and essays share similarities in terms of structure and content, the fundamental differences in their delivery, audience engagement, and purpose make them distinct forms of communication.