public speaking

noun

Synonyms of public speakingnext
1
: the act or process of making speeches in public
2
: the art of effective oral communication with an audience

Synonyms of public speaking

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Examples of public speaking in a Sentence

He has a fear of public speaking. She has a gift for public speaking. a book on public speaking
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Summitt implored her to take a public speaking course. — Rebecca Shore Winn, Southern Living, 18 Feb. 2026 Concepcion dealt with a speech impediment that hindered his public speaking. — Tony Catalina, Austin American Statesman, 27 Jan. 2026 The most important of all communication skills for influencing others is public speaking. — William Arruda, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026 Finalists for Youth of the Year emerged through a judging process that included public speaking, personal essays and panel interviews. — Beth Reese Cravey, Florida Times-Union, 11 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for public speaking

Word History

First Known Use

1759, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of public speaking was in 1759

Rhymes for public speaking

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Browse Nearby Words

public speaker
public speaking
public-spirited
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Cite this Entry

“Public speaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/public%20speaking. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on public speaking

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about public speaking

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