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 you enjoy presenting, but are often assigned written reports, make it clear that one of your strengths is public speaking and that you’d like to do it more.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 22, 2026

They included common skills like public speaking and time management.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 1, 2026

The drag queen, who channeled Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher for the stand-up skit, said she hopes pushing herself out of her comfort zone will be the start of a "positive change" for her public speaking.

From BBC • Nov. 28, 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

"Okay, you're shy about public speaking, but how does that apply to writing down the answers? If you can read, then you can write, right?"

From "Freak The Mighty" by Rodman Philbrick