public speaking

noun

1

: the act or process of making speeches in public

2

: the art of effective oral communication with an audience

Synonyms of public speaking

• speech
• oratory
• rhetoric

Examples of public speaking in a Sentence

He has a fear of public speaking.

She has a gift for public speaking.

a book on public speaking

Recent Examples on the Web

In 1985, for example, Brazilian liberationist theologian Leonardo Boff was ordered to observe a year of silence – no publishing, no public speaking – to discipline him for his critique of the church’s hierarchy. — Eben Levey, The Conversation, 6 Nov. 2026

Selections were based on several criteria, including community and school involvement, academic achievement, public speaking ability and youth leadership. — Chelsea Hylton, CBS News, 28 Sep. 2026

While Spencer was no stranger to public speaking, having worked in broadcasting before delivering the eulogy, the emotions of the moment forced him to gather all his strength to make it through his speech. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 23 Sep. 2026

Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, was named CEO of Turning Point and has taken on some of his public speaking roles. — ABC News, 10 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1759, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for public speaking

• creaking
• eking
• freaking
• leaking
• peaking
• peeking
• reeking
• seeking
• shrieking
• sneaking
• squeaking
• streaking