Direct speech can also be referred to as reported speech, quoted speech or speech reporting. Reported speech is when someone is quoting words that someone else said. Quoted speech is when you repeat someone else's words, exactly as they said them. Speech reporting refers to when you relay what someone else has said but in your own words. These synonyms for direct speech are commonly used in academic writing and journalistic writing. Understanding these terms is essential for effective communication in various settings, as it improves your ability to accurately convey the thoughts and ideas of others.