1.  A beaker and a flask steamed on the bench beside him as he spoke.

2.  A chair shifted, my heart raced, Conchis spoke a single indistinguishable word in a low voice.

3.  A few months ago, the seven-year-old son of one family we spoke to dropped dead.

4.  A good counsellor helps them to interpret the meaning behind the words each speaks.

5.  A group of athletes spoke to the students about the value of a college education.

6.  A huge crowd gathered to hear Mandela speak.

7.  A language she once knew but had forgotten about, forgotten ever hearing, forgotten she could speak.

8.  A leaden font stood before her, the dark, letter-ornamented metal speaking of another time, a different era.