Speech must precede -

Language skills are necessary for effective communication in any environment and to interact with others. It allows an individual to comprehend and produce language for proper and effective interpersonal communication.Key Points 

• Listening (with understanding), speaking (speech), reading, and writing are the four fundamental skills.
• Listening and speaking are primary skills, while reading and writing are secondary skills. Reading and writing are also called reinforcement skills.
• The process of language development typically begins with listening and spoken language. Children learn to listen, speak and understand spoken language before they start learning to read and write.
• Through oral interactions and exposure to spoken language, individuals acquire vocabulary, grammar, and an understanding of the rules and structures of their native language.

Hence, from the above-mentioned points, it is clear that speech must precede reading and writing.