Public Speaking Definitions

Advocate

A speaker who publicly supports or argues in favor of a specific idea, cause or position.

APA Citation

A standardized format created by the American Psychological Association used to credit sources in speeches and outlines.

Bibliography

A list of sources used in researching a speech, typically presented at the end of a preparation outline or manuscript.

Body

The main section of a speech where the speaker develops ideas, evidence, and

arguments.

Claim

A statement or position that the speaker argues is true and seeks to support with evidence.

Conclusion

The closing section of a speech that summarizes main points and leaves a

final impression on the audience.

Chronological

An organizational pattern that arranges ideas in the order in which events

occur over time.

Data

Facts, statistics, examples, or research used to support a speaker’s claims.

Definitions

Explanations of the meaning of terms or concepts used to clarify ideas for.

Cause-Effect

An organizational pattern that explains why something happens (cause)

and what happens as a result (effect).

Delivery

The way a speaker presents a speech, including voice, posture, facial

expression, and movement.

Description

language that helps the audience visualize a person, place, object, or event

Ethos

the credibility or trustworthiness of a speaker as perceived by the audience

Exigence

 the issue, problem, or situation that creates the need for a speech

Expertise

specialized knowledge or skill that increases a speaker’s credibility on a topic

Extemporaneous

a speaking style that is prepared and practiced but delivered

conversationally using brief notes

Eye Contact

the act of looking at audience members to create connection and credibility

Fact Speech

an informative speech that presents verified information without

persuasion or opinion

Fear of public speaking

anxiety or nervousness experienced when preparing for or

delivering a speech to an audience

Formatting

the consistent layout and structure of a speech outline or manuscript,

including headings and spacing

Gesture

purposeful movement of the hands or arms used to emphasize or clarify a

message

Header

the top part of an outline that shows the name, purpose, and pattern of a speech

Interlogue

between monologue and dialogue and means short interjections between

thoughts, used for audience interaction

Introduction

the opening part of a speech that gains attention, establishes credibility, and previews the topic

Main Point

a major idea or argument that supports the overall purpose of a speech

Monologue

a speech delivered by one person without interaction or interruption from

others

Monotone

speaking with little or no vocal variety, which can reduce audience interest

Pattern

a structured method for organizing ideas in a speech, such as topical or cause-

effect

Pitch

a short compelling proposal to get someone interested

Plagiarism

using someone else’s words or ideas without giving proper credit

Policy Speech

persuasive speech that argues for a specific course of action or solution

Preparation Outline

a detailed plan of a speech that includes main points, subpoints,

and supporting material

Public Speaking

the act of delivering a structured message to an audience

Purpose

The reason for giving a speech, such as to inform, persuade, or entertain

Resolution

a proposed solution to a problem presented in a persuasive speech

Rhetorical Situation

the relationship between the speaker, audience, purpose, context,

and message

Seminar

a presentation that teaches something important to an interested group

Sequence

the logical order in which ideas are arranged within a speech

Stories

brief narratives used to illustrate points, create interest, or connect emotionally with the audience

Subpoint

a supporting detail that explains or expands a main point

Synthesis

 the process of combing parts into something new

Technique

a specific method or skill used to improve speech content or delivery

Topical

an organizational pattern that divides a topic into related categories or parts

Toulmin's Model of Argument

a framework for building arguments using claims,

evidence, warrants, and backing

Transitions

words or phrases that help move the audience smoothly from main point to

the next

Tribute

a speech given to honor or celebrate a person, group, or event

Value Speech

a persuasive speech that argues whether something is good or bad based

on beliefs or principles

Visual Aid

an object, image, or display used to support and clarify spoken information

Vocal Pause

the use of a filler word or expression instead of silence

Warrant

the reasoning that explains how evidence supports a claim