1）speak 常常用来指人们对语言的掌握或使用，不强调说话的内容。 e.g. In Canada English and French are spoken by Canadians . She can speak several languages . 她能讲好几种语言。 Sarah , Mum wants to speak to you . （2）say一般作及物动词，着重指说话的内容，而且后面常带有直接或间接引语。 e.g. “We can take you back to England , ”said the captain . “我们能够带你回英格兰”，船长说。 She said that she would leave Beijing next month . 她说她下个月要离开北京。 Did you say anything ? 你说了什么？ （3）talk一般作不及物动词，着重指连续地说话或与人交谈。 e.g. Mike is talking. The doctor will talk to my father about his health . 医生就健康问题要与父亲谈谈。 talk有时作名词用，表示“讲话，演讲；报告”之意。 e.g. Jim , I want you to give us a short talk tomorrow . 吉姆，我想让你明天为我们做个短小的演讲。 I heard his talk on the TV / radio last night . （4）tell是“告诉、讲述，吩咐”之意，经常作及物动词，后面常跟两个宾语－－直接宾语和间接宾语。 e.g. Please tell Ann to come here as soon as possible. 请告诉安尽快到这里来。 Don”t tell me , let me guess . 别告诉我，让我猜猜。 The little boy told the old woman his name . 这小男孩告诉老太太他的名字。（双宾语）
