Synonyms

public speaking

American

noun

the act of delivering speeches in public.
the art or skill of addressing an audience effectively.

public speaking British

noun

the art or practice of making speeches to large audiences

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

public speaker

noun

Etymology

Origin of public speaking

First recorded in 1755–65

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Here was the Founders’ model in miniature: classical knowledge, truth and beauty, memorization and public speaking.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 9, 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

It was the first time Knox was sharing her story in front of a crowd and she asked to meet with Lewinsky, whose writing and public speaking she said she had “devoured” in preparation.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 26, 2025

“Now, Bijan absolutely hates public speaking. He probably hates public speaking as much as DeAndre Jordan hates shooting free throws.”

From "Here to Stay" by Sara Farizan

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023