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.
The Structure of Effective Persuasive Arguments
A persuasive argument is more than a strong opinion. It is a carefully built message that gives readers a clear reason to accept a position, support a decision, or reconsider what they believe. Good persuasion does not depend only on emotion or confidence. It depends on structure. An effective persuasive argument usually includes a clear […]
Managing Time Effectively During a Speech
Managing time effectively during a speech is one of the most important public speaking skills. A speech can have strong ideas, useful examples, and a confident speaker, but it can still lose impact if the timing is poor. When a speaker rushes, the audience may miss key points. When a speaker goes over time, the […]
The Difference Between Metaphor, Simile, and Analogy
Metaphor, simile, and analogy are three common ways to compare ideas. They appear in literature, essays, speeches, classroom discussions, and everyday language. At first, they seem very similar because all three connect one thing with another. However, they do not work in exactly the same way. A metaphor creates a direct image by saying that […]