Public Speaking Course:

Glossary K - O

Glossary A-E
Glossary F-J
Glossary P-T
Glossary U-Z

Here are some key definitions taught in my public speaking course.

Keynote: The main speech at a meeting delivered to all attendees in a general session. Originally the main point of a speech.

Lavaliere: A corded or cordless microphone worn around the neck or attached to a piece of clothing. See Hands free microphone.

Lectern: A stand with a sloping top from which a speaker delivers his or her program. Sometimes incorrectly called a podium.

Localization and personalization: The process of changing details of a story or joke to suit the intended audience

Malaprop: An absurd misuse of words. See Goldwynism.

Master of ceremonies: A person who acts as host of an event, making the welcoming speech and introducing other speakers or entertainers. Also Toastmaster, Roastmaster, Emcee, MC.

MC: n. Abbreviation for Master of ceremonies. v. Acting as Master of ceremonies as in Joe will MC the event.

Meeting planner: The person in charge of planning the logistical parameters of a meeting like room setup, hotel arrangements, meals, travel, and sometimes hiring of speakers. Also Coordinator, Organizer or Planner.

Metaphor: A figure of speech in which a word or phrase that ordinarily designates one thing is used to designate another,
thus making a comparison, as in "She is an angel on the platform".

Mic: Abbreviation for microphone pronounced mike.

Moderator: Person who presides over a meeting, panel, or debate.

Multimedia: The use of several media, such as movies, slides, music, and lighting in combination
normally for the purpose of education or entertainment.

Off-color humor: See Blue Humor.

Off the cuff: In an extemporaneous or informal manner. Old time speakers would make notes on their shirt cuffs instead of preparing for a talk.

One-liner: A general term for a very short piece of humor.

Overhead projector: Device used to project images from transparent film onto a screen or the wall.

Oxymoron: Two concepts {usually two words} that do not go together, but are used together like old news, extensive briefing, criminal justice, military intelligence, direct circumvention and random order.