Public Speaking Terms

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antonym

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Is a word that is directly opposite in meaning. Antonyms for fast are slow and poky.

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Aristotle

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Greek philosopher observed, "The audience is the end and object of the speech."

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audience analysis

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A study made to learn about the diverse characteristics of audience members and then, based on these characteristics, to predict how audience members are apt to listen to, understand, and be motivated to act on your speech.

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body of the speech

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The middle part of a speech, used to develop the main ideas.

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brainstorming

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A method of generating ideas by free association of words and thoughts.

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Claims

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Conclusions that go beyond factual statements to make judgments about their subjects.

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Clutter/ Vocal Distractions

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Filler words, such as er, um, and you know, used in the place of a pause.

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connotative meaning

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The emotional, subjective, personal meaning that certain words can evoke in listeners.

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creativity

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The ability to produce original ideas and insights.

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credibility

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The audience's perception of whether a speaker is qualified to speak on a given topic.

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critical thinking

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Focused, organized thinking about such things as the logical relationships among ideas, the soundness of evidence, and the differences between fact and opinion.

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demonstrative speech

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An informative speech aimed at showing the audience how to do something or how something works.

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denotative meaning

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The dictionary definition or objective meaning of a word.

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dialogue

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A conversation between the speaker and the audience.

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eye contact

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Direct visual contact with the eyes of another person.

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emphasis

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Is the stress given to certain words, phrases, sentences, and/or paragraphs within a speech by such methods as repeating important ideas; positioning thesis and topic sentences effectively; supplying additional details or examples.

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extemporaneous speech

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A carefully prepared and rehearsed speech that is presented from a brief set of notes.

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extemporaneous presentation

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(extemporaneous speaking) A form of presentation in which a speech, although carefully prepared and practiced, is not written out or memorized.

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grabber (introduction)

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The first part of a speech, intended to gain the audience’s attention and to prepare them for the rest of the presentation.

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informative speech

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A speech designed to convey knowledge and understanding.

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impromptu speech

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A speech delivered with little or no immediate preparation.

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intellectually stimulating

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Information that is new to audience members and is explained in a way that piques their curiosity.

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kicker

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The last element of a speech conclusion used in public speaking for a short and snappy ending. It is a clever, unexpected statement to leave your audience with. It is the last thing you say.

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listening

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Paying close attention to, and making sense of, what we hear.

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motivation

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Internal forces that impel action and direct human behavior toward specific goals.

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pitch

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The position of a human voice on the musical scale.

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persuasive speech

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A speech designed to change or reinforce the audience's attitudes, beliefs or actions.

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Positive-talk

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Positive coping statements to reduce anxiety about giving speeches in front of an audience.

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productive thinking

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To think about something from a variety of perspectives.

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proposition

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A declarative sentence that clearly indicates the position that the speaker will advocate in a persuasive speech. Propositions are divided into three types: fact, policy, and value.

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quality

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The tone, timbre, or sound of your voice

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rate

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The speed at which a person speaks.

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reasons

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The main point statements that summarize several related pieces of evidence and show why you should believe or do something.

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speaking apprehension

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Anxiety over the prospect of giving a speech in front of an audience, otherwise know as stage fright.

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specific goal

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A single statement that identifies the exact response the speaker wants from the audience.

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speaking outline

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A brief outline used to jog a speaker's memory during the presentation of a speech.

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speaking vividly

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Using language that is full of life – vigorous, bright, and intense.

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speech setting

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The location and occasion for a speech.

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spontaneity

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A naturalness of speech where what is said sounds as if the speaker is really thinking about the ideas and the audience as he or she speaks.

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stage fright

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Anxiety over the prospect of giving a speech in front of an audience.

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subject

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A broad area of expertise, such as movies, cognitive psychology, computer technology, or the Middle East.

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supporting materials (support)

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The materials used to support a speaker's ideas. The three major kinds of supporting materials are examples, statistics, and testimony.

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synonym

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Is a word that has the same of a similar meaning. Synonyms for glad are eager, elated, joyful, pleased and delighted.

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thesis statement

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The speech’s central idea.

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topic

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The subject of a speech.

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visual aid

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A form of speech development that allows the audience to see as well as hear information.

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volume

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The loudness or softness of the speaker's voice.

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warrant

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The logical statement that connects the support to the claim