Here are some key definitions taught in this public speaking course:
Flipchart
Large sheets of paper, either bound or loose, supported on an easel for visual presentation.
Flop Sweat
1. Fear of performing.
2. Perspiration caused by nervousness or while experiencing a presentation failure.
Fluff
Lighthearted or entertaining material used in a presentation to motivate or amuse, rather than deliver hard data.
Gag
Wordplay or playful interaction with the audience.
Gag Order
A humorous expression referring to being told to stop speaking by a meeting planner or organizer.
General Session
A presentation attended by all participants at an event.
Gesticulate
To gesture energetically or expressively while speaking.
Goldwynism
A comical misuse of language, named after film producer Sam Goldwyn.
Greenroom
A backstage room where speakers and performers relax before or after going on stage. Also used in television studios.
Handheld Microphone
A corded or wireless microphone held in the hand or mounted on a lectern or stand.
Handout
Promotional or educational materials distributed to audience members.
Handsfree Microphone
A corded or wireless microphone attached to the presenter’s clothing. Also called a Lavaliere.
Head Table
A table positioned at the front of a room reserved for leaders, special guests, and speakers.
Heart Story
A touching story intended to evoke strong emotion, often bringing tears to audience members.
Heckler
An audience member who deliberately disrupts or challenges the presenter, usually verbally.
“Hey Stupid Question”
A predictable or obvious question posed to the audience, such as “How many of you want to make more money?”
Honorarium
Payment given for speaking or professional services.
House Lights
Lights that illuminate the audience area.
Humorist
A speaker who uses humor to communicate ideas, deliver messages, and entertain.
Humorous Acknowledgment
A mild admission of error or fault delivered humorously, followed by a serious response.
Idiom
An expression whose meaning cannot be understood from the individual meanings of its words, such as “keep tabs on.”
Impostor Guest Speaker
A speaker with intentionally false credentials used as part of a planned gag for entertainment or morale purposes.
In Fun
A presentation atmosphere where both speaker and audience are receptive to laughter.
Introducer
The person who presents the speaker and briefly shares the speaker’s background with the audience.
Introduction
A prepared opening statement used by the introducer to formally present the speaker.
Jokes
Statements or actions intended to create laughter or amusement.
Juxtaposition Humor
Placing two contrasting ideas or items side by side for comic comparison or effect.
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 […]