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"speaking" is also used as a crossword clue. If that's what you saw, the answer is often talking (7 letters).
Definitions
Talking or using spoken words.
Word origin
From Middle English speking, spekynge, equivalent to speak + -ing.
Used in a sentence
“one's normal speaking voice”
“The sight was more speaking than any speech could be.”
“There was no reply, save on the speaking countenance.”
Source: Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0
Used as a crossword answer2 curated clues
01“Oral expression”8 letters
02“Using words aloud”8 letters
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