public speaking

noun

1
: the act or process of making speeches in public
2
: the art of effective oral communication with an audience

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Many communities also host teen entrepreneur pitch competitions that combine public speaking with business skills. Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025 The Leo full moon on the 12th encourages you to use your voice more boldly, whether that’s through writing, teaching, public speaking, or social media. Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Sep. 2025 The rest of the day shifts to hands-on skills — things like public speaking, financial literacy or even learning how to ride a bike. Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Aug. 2025 Outside of writing, since Regas left his position at the Cincinnati Observatory in August of 2023 after nearly two and a half decades, he's spent more time podcasting and public speaking, including about 150 talks a year throughout the United States. Otto Rabe, The Enquirer, 23 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for public speaking

Word History

First Known Use

1759, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of public speaking was in 1759

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Cite this Entry

“Public speaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/public%20speaking. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on public speaking

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