Directions: Choose the correct form of tense to fill the blank.

The managing director ______ to the staff members. You can't meet him at this time.

The present continuous tense 'is speaking' is correct because the phrase 'at this time' indicates the action is happening right now. Present continuous (am/is/are + verb-ing) describes current temporary actions. 'Speak' is simple present, 'spoke' is simple past, and 'spoken' is a past participle that cannot stand alone as the main verb.