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.
Strategic Silence in Public Speaking
Silence in public speaking is often misunderstood. Many speakers treat it as a problem, a sign of nervousness, or proof that they forgot what to say. In reality, silence can be one of the strongest tools in a speaker’s delivery. When used with purpose, it gives words more weight and helps the audience follow the […]
Speaking with Authority: Tone, Pace, and Projection
Speaking with authority does not mean speaking loudly, harshly, or aggressively. It does not require dominating the room or using complicated language. Real vocal authority comes from calm confidence, clear structure, controlled delivery, and respect for the audience. A strong speaker sounds prepared, composed, and easy to follow. Tone, pace, and projection are three of […]
Logical Fallacies in Rhetoric: Definitions and Examples
Rhetoric is the art of using language to persuade, explain, and influence. It appears in speeches, essays, debates, advertising, social media, classroom discussion, and everyday conversation. Strong rhetoric can help people understand an issue clearly. Weak rhetoric can make a poor argument sound convincing. Logical fallacies are errors in reasoning that weaken an argument. They […]