Here are some key definitions taught in this public speaking course:
Keynote
The main speech delivered to all attendees during a general session of a meeting. Historically, it referred to the central theme or main point of a speech.
Lavaliere
A corded or wireless microphone worn around the neck or clipped to clothing. Also known as a hands-free microphone.
Lectern
A stand with a sloping top from which a speaker delivers a presentation. It is often incorrectly referred to as a podium.
Localization and Personalization
The process of adapting details of a story, example, or joke to better connect with a specific audience.
Malaprop
An absurd or humorous misuse of a word, often replacing it with a similar-sounding but incorrect term. See also: Goldwynism.
Master of Ceremonies
The host of an event who delivers the opening remarks and introduces speakers or entertainers. Also known as Toastmaster, Roastmaster, Emcee, or MC.
MC
noun: Abbreviation for Master of Ceremonies.
verb: To act as Master of Ceremonies (e.g., “Joe will MC the event.”)
Meeting Planner
The person responsible for organizing the logistical aspects of a meeting, including room setup, venue arrangements, catering, travel coordination, and sometimes speaker booking. Also known as Coordinator, Organizer, or Planner.
Metaphor
A figure of speech in which a word or phrase typically used for one thing is applied to another to create comparison or symbolic meaning, such as “She is an angel on the platform.”
Mic
An abbreviation for microphone, pronounced “mike.”
Moderator
A person who presides over a meeting, panel discussion, or debate.
Multimedia
The combined use of various media formats—such as video, slides, music, and lighting—typically for educational or entertainment purposes.
Off-Color Humor
Humor that may be considered inappropriate or risqué. See also: Blue Humor.
Off the Cuff
Speaking in an informal or impromptu manner. Historically, speakers would write notes on their shirt cuffs instead of preparing formally.
One-Liner
A very brief joke or humorous statement.
Overhead Projector
A device used to project images from transparent film onto a screen or wall.
Oxymoron
A combination of two seemingly contradictory terms used together, such as “old news,” “extensive briefing,” “criminal justice,” “military intelligence,” “direct circumvention,” or “random order.”
Comparing Informative and Persuasive Speech Structures
Informative and persuasive speeches may address the same subject, use similar evidence, and even share several organizational techniques. Their central purposes, however, are different. An informative speaker helps an audience understand a topic. A persuasive speaker asks listeners to accept a position, reconsider a belief, or take a particular action. This difference affects every part […]
Techniques for Improving Verbal Fluency
Verbal fluency is the ability to express ideas smoothly, clearly, and with limited unnecessary hesitation. A fluent speaker can find suitable words, organize thoughts, connect sentences, and maintain a natural speaking rhythm. Fluency does not mean speaking as quickly as possible. A person can speak rapidly while remaining unclear, repetitive, or difficult to follow. Strong […]
What Is Audience Analysis in Public Speaking?
A speech does not succeed simply because it contains accurate information. The same presentation can be clear and persuasive to one group but confusing, irrelevant, or unconvincing to another. Effective public speaking therefore begins before the speaker writes the introduction or designs the first slide. It begins with understanding the audience. Audience analysis is the […]