Public Speaking Terminology

adjective suitable or appropriate in a particular situation

adverb in a manner that is suitable or appropriate

• The author used apposite examples to support her argument in the research paper.
• I think that was a very apposite comment you made during the meeting.
• Your response was totally on point and apposite.
• His choice of words was apposite, hitting the mark perfectly.

noun a brief statement or comment

• The speaker concluded his speech with a clever bon mot that left the audience in stitches.
• She always has a quick bon mot ready for any situation.
• The comedian's bon mot had the whole crowd laughing.
• His bon mot was like a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day.

verb to deviate or wander away from the main topic or subject in speech or writing

• I must apologize for the digression in my presentation, let's get back to the main topic.
• Sorry for going off topic, let's digress back to what we were discussing.
• I totally digress, but have you heard the latest gossip?
• As we digress from the path of truth, we may find ourselves lost in a maze of lies.

noun the skill of clear and expressive speech, especially of distinct pronunciation and articulation

• She excelled in elocution, delivering her speech with eloquence and precision.
• His elocution skills are top-notch, he can really captivate an audience.
• I'm working on my elocution game, trying to sound more professional.
• Her elocution was like music to my ears, so smooth and soothing.

noun a speech or piece of writing that praises someone or something highly

• The professor received an encomium for his groundbreaking research in the field of physics.
• Everyone at the party gave Sarah an encomium for her amazing cooking skills.
• Dude, that movie was so encomium-worthy!
• The sunset painted an encomium across the sky, with hues of pink and orange blending together beautifully.

verb to pronounce words clearly and distinctly

• The professor enunciated each word clearly during the lecture.
• She enunciated her words slowly so that everyone could understand.
• He enunciated like a boss, making sure his point was heard loud and clear.
• The artist enunciated his emotions through his brush strokes on the canvas.

adjective spoken or done without preparation; impromptu

adverb in an extemporaneous manner

• The speaker delivered an impressive extemporaneous speech on the importance of education.
• I was amazed by how well she could come up with extemporaneous jokes on the spot.
• I can't believe he just did that extemporaneous rap battle out of nowhere!
• Her extemporaneous decision to quit her job and travel the world changed her life forever.

noun speech or discourse

• Her locution during the presentation was clear and concise.
• I couldn't understand his locution, he was mumbling too much.
• I don't like her locution, it's too fancy for me.
• His locution was like a melody, soothing and pleasant to listen to.

verb to make a speech, especially in a formal manner

• The professor was invited to orate at the academic conference.
• She loves to orate about her favorite books to anyone who will listen.
• He can really orate like a boss when he's passionate about a topic.
• The politician used his charisma to orate his way into the hearts of the voters.

noun a formal speech given on a public occasion

• The politician delivered a powerful oration to the crowd gathered in the square.
• She gave a really good oration at the school assembly.
• His oration was so lit, everyone was cheering.
• The music conductor's movements were like a silent oration, guiding the orchestra to perfection.

noun a formal public speaking, especially one that is persuasive or eloquent

adjective relating to or characteristic of public speaking or speeches

• The politician's oratory skills were highly praised during the debate.
• I always enjoy listening to his oratory at public events.
• His oratory game is on point!
• Her oratory was like music to my ears, so captivating and persuasive.

adjective An adjective is a word that describes or modifies a noun or pronoun. In this case, 'plain spoken' is an adjective phrase describing someone who speaks in a straightforward and direct manner.

• The politician is known for his plain spoken approach to addressing complex issues.
• She's always been a plain spoken person, never one to sugarcoat things.
• I like hanging out with him because he's so plain spoken, you always know where you stand.
• Her words were like a breath of fresh air, plain spoken and easy to understand.

verb to be balanced or held in a steady position

adjective having a composed and self-assured manner

• The company is poised for significant growth in the upcoming quarter.
• She looks poised to win the competition with her skills.
• He's always poised to party whenever there's an opportunity.
• The dancer was poised like a graceful swan on the stage.

verb to announce officially or publicly; declare boldly or openly

• The president will proclaim the new law in a public address tomorrow.
• She's going to proclaim her love for him at the party tonight.
• I'm gonna proclaim myself as the king of this game!
• The vibrant colors of the sunset seemed to proclaim the end of a beautiful day.

noun a person who gives speeches or lectures to a group of people

• The public speaker delivered an informative speech at the conference.
• The public speaker really knew how to captivate the audience.
• That public speaker has some serious skills on the mic.
• As a public speaker, she was a beacon of inspiration for many.

adjective relating to or conveying a salutation or greeting

• The salutatory speech at the graduation ceremony was well-received by the audience.
• The salutatory address was a nice way to start off the event.
• The salutatory talk was pretty cool, don't you think?
• Her smile was like a salutatory gesture, welcoming everyone to the party.

verb to deliver or compose a sermon; to speak in a moralizing or preachy manner

• The priest began to sermonize about the importance of forgiveness and compassion.
• My mom always sermonizes me about the benefits of eating vegetables.
• Stop sermonizing me, I already know what I need to do.
• The politician continued to sermonize about the need for change, but took no real action.

noun a platform raised above the surrounding level to give prominence to the person on it

• The speaker stood on the soapbox to address the crowd.
• He loves getting on his soapbox and ranting about politics.
• She's always on her soapbox about saving the environment.
• I'll get off my soapbox now and let someone else speak.

verb to communicate or converse with someone verbally

preposition a word that shows the relationship between a noun (or pronoun) and other words in a sentence

• I would like to speak to you about the upcoming project deadline.
• Can I speak to you for a minute about the party this weekend?
• I need to speak to you ASAP about the new job opportunity.
• Sometimes it feels like I'm speaking to a wall when trying to communicate with him.

noun a person who gives speeches or public addresses

• The speechmaker delivered a compelling address at the conference.
• The speechmaker really knew how to captivate the audience with their words.
• That speechmaker has some serious skills on the mic.
• The speechmaker's words were like music to the audience's ears.

adjective not feeling or showing embarrassment

• She spoke with an unembarrassed confidence during the presentation.
• He walked into the party unembarrassed by his mismatched outfit.
• She strutted down the street unembarrassed, owning her unique style.
• The artist painted with an unembarrassed boldness, creating a masterpiece that stood out among the rest.

adjective not hesitant or unwilling; open and frank in speech or expression

• The speaker was unreticent in sharing their research findings with the audience.
• She's usually unreticent about her opinions, so you'll know exactly what she's thinking.
• He's totally unreticent when it comes to trash-talking his opponents on the basketball court.
• The unreticent flow of emotions in her poetry captivated readers around the world.

noun a fear or phobia of attending seminars or public speaking events

• Seminarophobia is a term used to describe the fear of attending seminars or public speaking events.
• I think I have seminarophobia because I get really nervous before giving presentations.
• My friend totally bailed on the seminar because of her seminarophobia.
• His seminarophobia is like a wall that prevents him from advancing in his career.

verb a word that expresses an action, occurrence, or a state of being

• The issue was promptly addressed by the board of directors.
• I finally addressed the problem with my computer.
• She really needs to address her attitude.
• The novel addressed important themes of social justice.