talking head

American  

noun

1. Television Slang. a closeup picture of a person who is talking, especially as a participant in a talk show.

2. Slang. a person whose talk is empty and pretentious.

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talking head British  

noun

1. (on television) a person, such as a newscaster, who is shown only from the shoulders up, and speaks without the use of any illustrative material

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Etymology

Origin of talking head

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

The film, directed by Douglas Tirola, is assembled from various archival materials; the only talking head belongs to Bernstein himself.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

I was a cable news talking head briefly on CNN way back in the day.

From Slate • Oct. 7, 2025

Whereas Part Two opens with Reubens Face Timing Wolf and asking if he can pose questions to the talking head interviewees.

From Salon • Jan. 30, 2025

And unlike talking head interviews typical of reality TV, his “confessional” interstitials come in the form of stand-up comedy performances in which he openly admits his flaws, while making the audience laugh.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2024

“At best we’re saying we don’t know,” says the talking head.

From "Amari and the Night Brothers" by B.B. Alston

Related Words

• commentator
• newscaster