Indirect speech can also be referred to as reported speech, reported discourse, indirect discourse, or reported language. These terms all refer to a way of reporting what someone said without using their exact words. Indirect speech is often used in writing and conversation when the original speaker's words are not known or when paraphrasing is more appropriate. This is different from direct speech, where the original speaker's exact words are used and enclosed in quotation marks. Indirect speech is a useful tool that allows us to convey what someone said without compromising on accuracy or clarity.