DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SAY, TELL, SPEAK AND TALK

-- For Ability — if it's about ability, "talk" is preferred: "cats can't talk", "when I'm drunk I lose my ability to talk". Note that "speak" is allowed but is less popular;

-- For Languages — use "speak": "I speak English";

-- For Action — covered in answers above; both words can be used; "speak" is mostly about single-direction, while "talk" usually refers a conversation (and is less formal);

-- To Express information — use "say" or "tell": "I told her that I love her". Here, "I love her" is the information being expressed. "Say" can also be used, but it connotates a single-time action. Compare: "I said that the discussion is over and hung up the phone."

-- Imperative usually follows the rules above, but due to an extended popularity, here's a brief:

·         Extended time or dialogue — "Talk to me."

·         Long monologue — "Tell me about your problem."

·         Short monologue — "Say something!"

·         Requesting a certain attribute of speaking process — "Speak slowly please."

FOR A CLEARER VIEW:

 

ADAPTADO DESDE: www.languagelearningbase.com