Direct speech, also known as quoted speech or direct discourse, is the presentation of spoken words or phrases exactly as they were uttered by a speaker. In writing, direct speech is typically enclosed within quotation marks (" ") to indicate that the words are being directly quoted from the speaker. Direct speech allows writers to convey dialogue or direct communication between characters or individuals in a narrative, play, or reported conversation. It provides immediacy and authenticity to the dialogue, allowing readers to experience the words and emotions of the characters directly. For example, in the sentence "She said, 'I'll be there at 5 o'clock,'" the words "I'll be there at 5 o'clock" represent direct speech.