talking head

American  

noun

1. Television Slang. a closeup picture of a person who is talking, especially as a participant in a talk show.

2. Slang. a person whose talk is empty and pretentious.

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talking head British  

noun

1. (on television) a person, such as a newscaster, who is shown only from the shoulders up, and speaks without the use of any illustrative material

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Etymology

Origin of talking head

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

She also puts an invigorating spin on the style of the mob documentary, of which there is no shortage and which usually amounts to a tossed salad of clips and talking heads.

From The Wall Street Journal

There are no talking heads in Peck’s film, no experts spelling out the relevance of an author who died in 1950.

From Los Angeles Times

We sometimes speak to each other, to our friends, and sometimes hear our sentiments echoed or elaborated by reporters, commentators or talking heads on TV.

From Salon

Unlike most celebrity portraits, “In Whose Name?” has no glossy packaging, no talking heads and, most unusually, no input from its subject.

From Los Angeles Times

As one talking head in the documentary notes, multiple perspectives are necessary in any complicated conversation.

From Salon

Related Words

• commentator
• newscaster