At some point in time during your playthrough of Skyrim, you will want to

visit a shop. It doesn't matter if you're there to buy some supplies or to sell
off valuable treasures looted from your last dungeon, the merchants
of Skyrim are practically a necessary waypoint along any adventure.

This is where the Speech skill comes into play. It isn't the flashiest skill, nor
does it really affect combat all that much, but buying and selling
merchandise is governed by this ability. There are also some dialogue
choices affected by your Speech level, and having a higher rank in the skill
will always be handy during the slower moments of the game.