"Hablar a" vs "Hablar con"

Question

Here are some scenarios:

I am asked to be the speaker to an audience of listeners

I am asked to deliver a prepared message to a small group

I am asked to scold or chastize a single person for an identified error.

I believe in each of those 3 scenarios, "Se me ha pedido hablar a usted" is appropriate.

I am asked to make enquiries with a group into a perceived problem

I am asked to discuss safety procedures with a group of workers

I am asked to help to arrange a vacation trip with some of my friends

In these circumstances, I think "Se me ha pedido hablar con usted" is appropriate.

What do others think? Is there any difference? Is one of "hablar Con" or "hablar a" correct under all 6 of the given scenarios?

Answer 1

"Hablar a usted" does not sound right. I think you should say "hablarle a usted".

Nice catch. Also in most of his contexts it will have to be ustedes. (les). - 0074b507, Sep 21, 2009

OK, "Hablarle a ustedes". But are you saying "Hablerle con ustedes" never works? - Moe, Sep 21, 2009

indeed - 00494d19, Sep 21, 2009

Answer 2

The only difference I see between hablar a and hablar con is that hablar a may be a monologue while hablar con usually refers to a dialogue with someone.

Yes. In the 1st 3 scenarios, no participation from the listener was expected. In the 2nd 3, participation is needed. - Moe, Sep 21, 2009

Answer 3

From Spanish.about.com: "To talk about talking to someone, usually the preposition con is used."

Answer 4

Yes, Moe, I agree too.

You only missed the le

Hablarle a alguien: Me permito hablarles a ustedes de este problema. Hablar con alguien (never with le) : Por favor, ¿puedo hablar con usted?

Moe, I have just seen this:

I am asked to scold or chastize a single person for an identified error.

We would use hablar con here.

Answer 5

Think of it in English. If you "hablar a" you are talking to someone. Which is talking at someone which is usually a monologue. "hablar con" is talking WITH someone. If you talk with someone, its a dialogue.

If I understand this reply, you are saying that I was correct in my 6 examples. Do you agree? - Moe, Sep 21, 2009