public speaking

American  

noun

1. the act of delivering speeches in public.

2. the art or skill of addressing an audience effectively.

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public speaking British  

noun

1. the art or practice of making speeches to large audiences

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Other Word Forms

• public speaker
  noun

Etymology

Origin of public speaking

First recorded in 1755–65

Example Sentences

If Wagner’s job seems to require an unusual combination of skills—mastery of fluid dynamics, comfort with public speaking, strong pint tolerance—he comes by them honestly.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

A friend in San Francisco had suffered a spinal cord injury and Nihill wanted to run a fundraiser, but dreaded public speaking.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2026

Long before she dabbled with public speaking or modelling, Abena felt a pull towards Africa, a feeling she could not articulate but could not ignore.

From BBC • Jan. 27, 2026

Perhaps these qualities also prepared her to weather the slings and arrows of international NGO leadership and public speaking.

From Salon • Oct. 1, 2025

Mark Antony had studied public speaking in Athens as a young man and had developed a keen appreciation for the Greek customs practiced throughout the region.

From "Sterling Biographies®: Cleopatra: Egypt's Last and Greatest Queen" by Susan Blackaby