public speaking

Definition of public speakingnext
as in speech
the art of speaking in public eloquently and effectively she is very experienced in public speaking and should do well in her campaign appearances before large crowds

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of public speaking Anyone who does a decent amount of public speaking winds up having a verbal crutch. — Jonathan Jones, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026 The most important of all communication skills for influencing others is public speaking. — William Arruda, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026 Students earned a Top 5 finish in the Novice Division of a public speaking contest, participated in livestock projects, online judging contests and horse judging. — Stephanie Ogilvie, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 June 2026 Many are developing skills such as public speaking or AI fluency, while around 10% are even willing to move laterally or take a step down in title to gain more experience before the next step, according to Deloitte. — Tristan Bove, Fortune, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for public speaking
Recent Examples of Synonyms for public speaking
Noun
  • Humphrey closed out the service with an impassioned speech asking attendees to call their Senator to support a bill US.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 4 Oct. 2026
  • The war crimes that were brought to the fore on the stage by Macklemore’s speech are the ones that should be the primary focus.
    — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The painting, which had hung in the oratory for more than three centuries, has never been recovered.
    — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Towering above Tomar is its castle, with an Oz-like oratory built 800 years ago.
    — Tribune Content Agency, Baltimore Sun, 12 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The conservative justice discussed lawmakers’ efforts to expand the Supreme Court, as well as the violent public rhetoric about the court and its members.
    — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Whoever the next commissioner is needs to crack down on the divisive rhetoric.
    — Jon Root OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Public speaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/public%20speaking. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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