Speech - The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Wiki Guide - IGN

Focus ResetSkip to contentFind in guideTask SearchChecklistsInteractive MapsTable of Contents

Task Search

Checklists Guides Markers VideosSort and FilterNo Results

Checklists

New ChecklistAll ListsMy ChecklistsAllAll ListsMy ChecklistsHow creative can you get with your first free checklist?Create a free accountAll Interactive Maps and Locations

Skyrim Map

Dawnstar Map

Falkreath Map

Markarth Map

Morthal Map

Riften Map

Solitude Map

Solstheim (Dragonborn DLC) Map

Whiterun Map

Windhelm Map

Winterhold Map

SpeechBy Stephanie Lee, Hector Madrigal, Brendan Graeber, +162.5k moreUpdated: Nov 4, 2016 5:07am UTC

Speech is a character's ability to carry a conversation and how charismatic or persuasive he or she can be to others. Obviously, the higher the Speech skill, the more likely that things can be settled through diplomacy and non-violent means.

Speech dictates the Value of an item or weapon. The higher your speechcraft, the more an item is potentially worth. That value is then filtered once more through the Haggling perk, which determines the buy/sell value with vendors.

Each NPC has a Speech skill check when it comes to persuasion or intimidation. If you don't meet the hidden requirement, the NPC will dismiss either avenue of dialogue. With a skilled tongue, you could potentially open up new methods of completing tasks and things of that nature.

Perks

These are the Perks available in the Speech perks tree.

Perk	Level	Description
Haggling	--	Buying and selling prices are 10% better.
Allure	30	10% better prices with the opposite sex.
Merchant	50	Can sell any type of item to any kind of merchant.
Investor	70	Can invest 500 gold with a shopkeeper to increase his available gold permanently.
Fence	90	Can barter stolen goods with any merchant you have invested in.
Master Trader	100	Every merchant in the world gains 1000 gold for bartering.
Bribery	30	Can bribe guards to ignore crimes.
Persuasion	50	Persuasion attempts are 30% easier.
Intimidation	70	Intimidation is twice as successful.

Leveling Tips

Free Speech points

At the summit of the Lost Valley Redoubt ruins, southeast of Markarth, is a giant waterfall and wooden plank overhang. If you carefully walk the plank you will discover the Bard's Leap. It's best to save here since you will be jumping -- possibly to your death. There is a pool at the bottom that will break your fall if you manage to hit it correctly.

Use Whirlwind Sprint Shout to propel your character far away from the rocks below and into the pool. Become Ethereal works, too. Once you emerge from the pool you should see a Phantom Bard with a lute. Talk to him (this may take several tries since you may get the notice that "This person is busy."). He will tell you how he tried and failed and then resume his playing. Nothing may seem to happen for a few seconds, but if you wait around you will recieve a free level of Speech training.

Up Next: Smithing

PreviousRestorationNextSmithing

Top Guide Sections

• Main Quests
• Side Quests
• Locations
• Items

Was this guide helpful?

Leave feedback

In This Guide

The Elder Scrolls V: SkyrimBethesda Game StudiosInitial Release: Nov 10, 2011+4Learn moreGo to comments