speak talk

[CORALINNA]

When on the phone prefer to use "speak", like: Can I speak to Clare?

And if you're talking face to face with her secretary? Should I say?

a) Can I speak to Clare? OR
b) Can I talk to Clare? OR
c) Both are fine.

 

[Tazzler]

In essence both are interchangeable, but I'd go with "speak" because to me it implies more serious business.

 

[tannen2004]

I agree with Tazzler. In a business context I would use "speak".

"Can I talk to Clare" sounds like something a child might say when their friend's mother answers the door.

 

[Paulfromitaly]

Not exactly a new topic..

Say, speak, talk
Speak about talk!
speak and talk
speak in circles / talk in circles
speak talk
speak to / talk to
speak to/ with talk to / with
Speak vs talk
speak with or speak to/ talk to or talk with? which is which
speak/talk
speak/talk
speak/talk
Speak/talk (in) English
Speak/talk as an ability
talk / speak - to/with
Talk to/with - Speak to/with - Chat to/with
talk to/with, speak to/with
talk vs. speak
They talk/speak English.
To Speak Vs. To Talk