There are four distinct techniques to convey or narrate what was said by someone to a third party: direct speech, reported speech, free direct speech and free reported speech.

I.Free direct speech is characterized by conveying the original message, but not the speaker's exact words.
II.He said their house had been for sale for six months is an example of reported speech.
III.Free reported speech is used in narratives to convey the thoughts or words of a character, through the narrator's voice.
IV.Reported speech presents with introductory verbs such as to say, to ask or to tell , and with quotation marks.
V.Direct speech can require a shift in verb tenses, pronouns and adverbs.