Public Speaking Terminology

moving with ease; polished. Speaker rarely stumbles through a presentation. This comes from preparation and practice.

Any visible props or components of one’s presentation. Posters, charts, graphs, demonstrations, Power Point presentations, media clips, and overhead projections are examples.

the degree of loudness of sound. A speaker must be heard clearly. You can also adjust this to emphasize and deemphasize words.

Speaking or presenting with little or no preparation

word choice. Choose vocabulary that is appropriate and understandable for the audience

making a visual connection with individuals in audience. Speakers cannot read from papers or cards continually. The audience doesn’t feel that the speaker spoke to them. Looking at individuals garners attention and makes the presentation personal.

the degree of quickness with which one delivers a speech. We often speak to quickly when we’re nervously speaking to a group. Be aware of this and take moments to pause and allow the audience to absorb points.

the expression in one’s voice generated by altering pitch (highness and lowness). Think about an angry voice versus a happy voice. Changing tthis keeps the audience engaged and suggests the speaker’s attitude toward the topic.

changing physical position. Sometimes, like when speaking from a podium, this is limited. Too much of this can distracting.

the people who are listening and/or viewing a presentation or speaker.. Know who you are speaking to and adjust the speech or presentation accordingly.

speaking words as they are meant to be spoken. This is the tomato (tuh-may-toe), tomato (tuh- mah-toe) issue.

clearly saying the sounds and syllables in words. It is important to speak clearly and not slur or mumble words or parts of words. Being nervous or moving at a quick pace often makes this difficult.

communicating ideas and emotions nonverbally by contorting one’s face. Sounds strange, but you can communicate that something smells bad by crinkling up your nose.

act of making gestures or moving one’s body parts, usually arms, hands, legs, as a means of expression. This should be planned and practiced. It’s also difficult to do when holding papers or cards. Usually a speaker memorizes first.