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

See Examples For:

public speaking

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

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

From Salon ● Oct. 1, 2025

Those who work with Levy have described him as "shy, quiet and hard working", not the cold character of public perception, although limelight and public speaking has never sat easy with him.

From BBC ● Sep. 4, 2025

Ancient Greek parents were no more prone to call their sons “Crow” than modern ones—and would anyone called “Crow” have the brass neck to teach the art of public speaking for a living?

From "Words Like Loaded Pistols" by Sam Leith