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

If you're in a job where public speaking is part of what you do, it can be particularly terrifying.

From BBC • Nov. 16, 2025

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

From Salon • Oct. 1, 2025

She studied history written by Herodotus and Thucydides, which included political and military events of the past, and memorized the speeches of Demosthenes to learn the fine points of public speaking and debate.

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