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

"It is confusing because I've always been able to stand up and do that and go on stage, and things like public speaking have never worried me."

From BBC

If Wagner’s job seems to require an unusual combination of skills—mastery of fluid dynamics, comfort with public speaking, strong pint tolerance—he comes by them honestly.

From The Wall Street Journal

A friend in San Francisco had suffered a spinal cord injury and Nihill wanted to run a fundraiser, but dreaded public speaking.

From Los Angeles Times

He was so afraid of public speaking that, more than once, he had fainted while giving presentations.

From Literature

Long before she dabbled with public speaking or modelling, Abena felt a pull towards Africa, a feeling she could not articulate but could not ignore.

From BBC