Public Speaking Skills

noun the art or occupation of performing in plays, movies, or television productions

verb the act of performing in a play, movie, or television production

adjective pretending to be someone or something for a performance

• The actor's acting skills were praised by the critics.
• She's been acting in a lot of indie films lately.
• He's really good at fake acting, it's hilarious.
• Her kindness is just an act, she's not really that nice.

noun a spontaneous or improvised speech or performance

verb to speak or perform without preparation

• The actor was able to ad lib his lines flawlessly during the live performance.
• She had to ad lib a response when asked a question she wasn't prepared for.
• I love watching comedians ad lib during their stand-up routines.
• Sometimes in life, you have to ad lib and make quick decisions on the spot.

adjective describing a person who has a compelling charm or attractiveness that inspires devotion in others

• The charismatic leader captivated the audience with his powerful speech.
• She's so charismatic, everyone is drawn to her magnetic personality.
• That guy is seriously charismatic, he could sell ice to an Eskimo.
• The sunset painted a charismatic display of colors across the sky.

noun A person who engages in formal argumentation or debate

• The debater presented a well-structured argument during the debate competition.
• The debater totally nailed their argument in the debate.
• That debater really slayed the debate with their points.
• The debater wielded their words like a skilled swordsman in the debate.

noun graceful and elegant bearing in a person

verb to hold (something) in a balanced and steady position

• She walked with grace and poise, capturing the attention of everyone in the room.
• Despite the unexpected news, she maintained her poise and kept a calm demeanor.
• Even under pressure, he managed to keep his poise and handle the situation like a boss.
• The dancer moved with such poise and precision, it was like watching poetry in motion.

adjective relating to or characteristic of a professor

• The professorial tone of the lecture conveyed a sense of authority and expertise.
• His professorial attitude can be a bit intimidating, but he's actually really nice once you get to know him.
• She's always coming off as professorial, like she knows everything.
• The way he analyzed the situation was almost professorial in nature, breaking it down with precision and insight.

noun a person who tells anecdotes in a skillful and amusing way

• The raconteur captivated the audience with his storytelling skills.
• My friend is such a great raconteur, he always has the best stories to tell.
• That guy at the party last night was a real raconteur, he had everyone laughing.
• She was a raconteur of emotions, weaving tales that touched the hearts of all who listened.

noun A person who is self-possessed.

adjective Having or showing control of one's feelings, behavior, or actions; composed and confident.

• She remained self-possessed throughout the entire meeting, never once losing her composure.
• Even in the most chaotic situations, he always manages to stay self-possessed.
• Dude, I wish I could be as self-possessed as her in stressful situations.
• His self-possessed demeanor was like a shield, protecting him from the chaos around him.

noun a composed state of mind or the ability to control one's emotions or reactions

• Her self-possession in the face of adversity was truly admirable.
• I wish I had the same level of self-possession as she does.
• She's got mad self-possession skills, nothing can shake her.
• His self-possession was like a shield, protecting him from the chaos around him.

noun a person who delivers or preaches a sermon

• The sermonizer delivered a powerful message to the congregation.
• The sermonizer really knows how to captivate an audience.
• I heard the sermonizer drop some truth bombs during the service.
• She was a sermonizer of positivity, spreading hope wherever she went.

verb to argue against or refute a previous argument

• It is important to anticipate and counterargue potential objections in your research paper.
• When you're discussing politics with your friends, make sure to counterargue any points you disagree with.
• I always have to come up with a way to counterargue my sister's excuses.
• In a debate, it's like a game of chess - you have to strategically counterargue your opponent's moves.

noun a classroom activity where students bring in an item to show to their classmates and then talk about it

verb to demonstrate or display something to others

preposition used to connect the words 'show' and 'tell' to indicate they are related actions

• The elementary school students participated in a show and tell activity to share their favorite items with the class.
• My daughter came home excited about show and tell at school today.
• I always loved show and tell because it was a chance to flex with my cool stuff.
• The presentation was like a show and tell of the company's latest products.