Why is it called textspeak when it is never actually spoken?

Probably a nod in the direction of George Orwell's 'newspeak' as used in 1984. Just a neologism that captures the essence of the language, we have to refer to it by some kind of name upon which we all agree so we can talk about it even if it's unpronouncable in it's own vocabulary.

Speaking, or Speech, can take place in many ways.

Before I explain it, let's briefly look at the concept of love. It has many forms. You can love your pet, your sister, your mum or your spouse however, each relationship, calls for a different kind of love. Love can be felt, and to a great extent, can be seen in your actions. An ex of mine used to show me that he loves me by doing things for me, like caring for me, looking out for me, physical desire etc however, he hardly ever uttered the words out to me. I still knew that he loved me though.

So it is with language. It can be spoken in many ways (just remembered, have you ever heard of the term "the language of love"...?)

You can speak by means of your eyes (if they look unhappy or ecstatic) or by means of your body language (turning your back on someone is seen to be a sign of rejection/dismissal) yet, these are "non-verbal" forms of communication. It doesn't diminish its significance, if anything, it may make the intended meaning more poignant.

Textspeak is, as many others have said, still a form of communication. Simply because there is a dialogue/two-way form of communication and it is this that makes speech what it is. Where there is someone who gives out info and someone who receives it, and back again etc.

Isn't textspeak a telephone service for the deaf who key their message to an operator who verbally relays it to a hearing recipient?

I have used this several times and those operators are quite brilliant.

Because you are having still a conversation with someone, whether over your mobile or p.c. Even though it`s written it`s still `chatting`, therefore it`s speaking, even though it`s by text.

Because we speak in text or print, not orally.

New word for new technology. Advacement !