Word for the Wise

January 24, 2006 Broadcast

Topic: National Speak Up and Succeed Day

Today is National Speak Up and Succeed Day, a fine time for us to speak to the idea that there are plenty of sorts of speeches out there.

Speech is an inclusive word: it names "a usually public discourse; or address." Address is the term for "a formal communication," especially "a prepared speech delivered to a special audience or on a special occasion." One particular variety of speech or address is the allocution. That term refers to a formal speech, especially an authoritative or hortatory address. Allocution has a still more specific sense too: it names an address delivered by a pope in secret consistory—that is, at a solemn meeting of cardinals—and often later published.

Another, not necessarily enjoyable form of speech is the harangue. Harangue originally referred simply to a speech addressed to a public assembly. Nowadays, it is used for "a ranting speech" or "a didactic, scolding, or hortatory talk."

We'll close with three sorts of speech that fall under the discourse rubric. Discourse itself is used for a formal and orderly and usually extended expression of thought on a subject. Lecture names the discourse given before an audience or class, especially for instruction. And finally, there's oration, the proper word for an elaborate discourse delivered in a formal and dignified manner.

Questions or comments? Write us at wftw@aol.com Production and research support for Word for the Wise comes from Merriam-Webster, publisher of language reference books and Web sites including Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, Eleventh Edition.